Safety profile and protocol prevention of adverse reactions to uroangiographic contrast media in diagnostic imaging.

The purpose of the study is to examine the incidence of adverse reactions caused by non-ionic contrast media in selected patients after desensitization treatment and to evaluate the safety profile of organ iodine contrast media (i.c.m.) in a multistep prevention protocol. In a population of 2000 patients that had received a CT scan, 100 patients with moderate/high risk for adverse reactions against iodinated contrast agents followed a premedication protocol and all adverse reactions are reported and classified as mild, moderate or severe. 1.7 percent of the pre-treated patients reported a mild, immediate type reaction to iodine contrast; of these five patients with allergy 0.71 percent had received iomeprol, 0.35 percent received ioversol and 0.71 percent received iopromide. The incidence of adverse reactions was reported to be higher (4 out of 5 patients) among those that referred a history of hypersensitivity against iodinated i.c.m. Although intravenous contrast materials have greatly improved, especially in terms of their safety profile, they should not be administered if there isn't a clear or justified indication. In conclusion, even if we know that the majority of these reactions are idiosyncratic and unpredictable we propose, with the aim of improving our knowledge on this subject, a multicenter study, based on skin allergy tests (prick test, patch test, intradermal reaction) in selected patients that have had previous experiences of hypersensitivity against parenteral organ iodine contrast media.

HRCT in systemic sclerosis: correlation between respiratory functional indexes and extension of lung failure.

The purpose of the study was to identify the correlation between functional lung parameters to the extent of lung involvement evaluated by High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) in systemic sclerosis (SSc), using a modified score scale. Forty-two patients with established clinical diagnosis of systemic sclerosis were retrospectively selected from the hospital information system and were prospectively included in the study protocol undergoing chest radiography, HRCT and functional lung testing. Lung involvement was assessed by HRCT, lesions were assessed in the individual segments and an additional severity score was introduced by assigning 3 points for bilateral lesions. The total new HRCT score was statistically related to severity of functional lung parameters. Thirty-six out of 42 patients showed an interstitial lung involvement by HRCT: Ground Glass (GG) n=36/42 of which n=27/36 were bilateral; IPM n=30/42, of which 24/30 were bilateral; SL n=33/42 of which 18/33 were bilateral; HC n=6/42 of which 6/6 were bilateral; SC n=6/42 of which 3/6 were bilateral.18/42 had a total score between 0-10, 6/42 between 11-20, 12/42 between 21-30, 6/42 greater than 31. Fifteen out of 42 had restrictive deficit. The results of functional respiratory testing were: FVC less than 80 percent in 12/42 patients (28.5 percent), TLC less than 80 percent in 15/42 patients (35.7 percent), DLCO less than 80 percent in 38/42 patients (90.4 percent) and DLCO/VA less than 80 percent in 21/42 patients (50 percent). The total score was statically related with FVC and TLC and with DLCO and DLCO/VA showing a significant negative correlation found between the total HRCT score of extent of lung damage and lung-function parameter (TLC: r= -0.65, P=0.00000264; FVC: r= -0.50; P=0.000575; DLCO: r= -0.74, P=2.02E-8; DLCO/VA: r= -0.68, P=0.0000005). All Pairwise Multiple Comparison Procedures showed a significant difference between the two rank sums that enclosed the comparison for DLCO/VA vs SCORE and DLCO vs SCORE. In conclusion, our modified score scale gives interesting additional data to evaluate the extension of interstitial lung involvement in SSc. It is inversely proportional to spirometry and DLCO and DLCO/VA. The bilateralism of the lesions is directly proportional to the lung damage.

Anatomical features of cephalothoracopagus variations: CT and MRI.

Conjoined twins have fascinated human mankind for a long time. Until recently, their description was limited to the dissection of non-viable cases, the description of external features and of bones by x-ray imaging. The introduction of ultrasonographic techniques gave the first in uterus images of conjoined twins, though the spatial resolution did not allow detailed descriptions. Subsequently, CT and MRI techniques allowed more precise definition of organs without any dissection, thus the need of formal interpretation of similar new images. As a matter of fact, few monstrosities have been studied by CT and MRI techniques. To this day very few cases still lack any CT/MRI documentation. Here we present a very rare type of cephalothoracopagus twins (joined at the head and the thorax). They have been accurately examined by CT and MRI imaging to study visceral structures. Pathophysiology and genetic aspects are also reviewed. These data offer precious details for accurate comprehension of imaging studies, and for theoretical studies concerning the information of several anatomical structures.

Entero-colpo-defecography vs supine entero-MRI: which one is the best tool in the differentiation of enterocele, elytrocele and edrocele?

Pelvic floor disorders represent a significant cause of morbidity associated with a severe reduction of quality of life. It represents a very common clinical problem that afflicts women three to seven time more often than men. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic tools available to define the imaging strategy in patients with pelvic floor dynamic dysfunctions and to investigate their abilities in the diagnosis of enterocele, elytrocele and edrocele. From January 2008 to May 2011, 614 patients with symptoms related to pelvic floor dynamic dysfunctions were enrolled in our retrospective study. After anamnesis and clinical examination, entero-colpo-defecography (ECD) and supine entero-magnetic resonance (SE-MR) exams were performed in all patients. This study showed that the diagnostic efficacy of ECD is higher than that of SE-MR in the detection of enterocele and edrocele. Furthermore, elytrocele can be visualized only with ECD considering the position of patient during SE-MR examination. In addition, in patients planned for surgery, SE-MR is more useful to clarify the intra-pelvic interaction of multiple organ prolapse and to better define the pelvic anatomy and functioning.

Differential diagnosis between fibroadenoma, giant fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumour: sonographic features and core needle biopsy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse mammographic and ultrasound (US) features of fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumour and assess the diagnostic accuracy of mammography, US and US-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) in the differential diagnosis of these two lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of the pathological analysis of excision biopsy of 83 lesions (67 fibroadenomas and 16 phyllodes tumours) were correlated with the findings of mammography, US and US-guided CNB performed on 83 women with a mean age of 45.4 years (range 18-75 years). RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values compared with histology were 45%, 50% and 79% for mammography, 34%, 69% and 82% for US and 81%, 97% and 87% for US-guided CNB (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The almost complete overlap between mammographic and US parameters of fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumours and the absence of pathognomonic features preclude the differential diagnosis between the two histological types. US-guided CNB is a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis between fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumour.

The role of nasoenteric intubation in the MR study of patients with Crohn's disease: our experience and literature review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare magnetic resonance (MR) enteroclysis with MR enterography to verify whether nasoenteric intubation in patients affected by Crohn's disease can provide supplementary information to that afforded by MR study of the small bowel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 12-month period, 40 patients (28 women and 12 men, mean age 35 years) affected by Crohn's disease underwent MR imaging. Distension of the small-bowel loops was obtained by administering polyethylene glycol: 15 patients were given the mixture by mouth (MR enterography), whereas the remaining 25 received it via nasoenteric intubation (MR enteroclysis). Our study protocol included morphological sequences taken before and after intravenous injection of contrast medium and real-time functional sequences. Accuracy criteria for the execution of the examinations were designed according to 11 bands. RESULTS: Complete distension of the small-bowel loops was obtained in the 25 patients who underwent MR enteroclysis, with the additional advantage of a suitable assessment of those segments involved in the pathological process. This was not the case for the 15 patients who underwent MR enterography, because both the jejunum and the small-bowel loops appeared partially collapsed. CONCLUSIONS: MR enteroclysis is the most effective technique for studying the small bowel in Crohn's disease, as it not only provides a suitable morphological assessment but also supplies functional information.

Ultrasound-guided aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy for treating endometrial cysts.

PURPOSE: The authors sought to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy in treating endometrial cysts and adopt this procedure as an alternative to surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with an average age of 25.2 years [standard deviation (SD) 6.5; range 16-40 years) and US diagnosis of endometrial cyst who were pregnant or presenting with high anaesthesia risk, adhesions or who refused surgery underwent US-guided aspiration of a total of 54 endometrial cysts (40 with transabdominal approach and the remaining 14 with transvaginal approach) and ethanol sclerotherapy. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all patients. Follow-up imaging was carried out at 12 h, 24 h, 15 days, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. After 12 months, four patients (8%) showed recurrence, three of whom opted for a second session of US-guided aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: US-guided aspiration and sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol provides a valid alternative to surgery in treating endometrial cysts.

Professional development: Cadaver Lab.

unequivocally support the value of simulation in the acquisition of surgical techniques. Faced with what we like to call "the perfect storm", or the sum of all those factors that characterize urgent / emergency cases, the general surgeon must quickly gain complete control of the situation. The Holy Grail of is undoubtedly the corpse simulation. This is what prompted SICUT to develop a course to improve knowledge of anatomical exposures for advanced thoracoabdominal vascular control on a reperfused corpse and soon there may be "pulsatile reperfusion",which allows the simulation of various clinical scenarios to vary physiological parameters (beat, frequency, blood pressure ...) . KEY WORDS: Cadaver lab, Learning curve, Simulation, Technical skills.

Abdominal Hernias, Giant Colon Diverticulum, GIST, Intestinal Pneumatosis, Colon Ischemia, Cold Intussusception, Gallstone Ileus, and Foreign Bodies: Our Experience and Literature Review of Incidental Gastrointestinal MDCT Findings.

Incidental gastrointestinal findings are commonly detected on MDCT exams performed for various medical indications. This review describes the radiological MDCT spectrum of appearances already present in the past literature and in today's experience of several gastrointestinal acute conditions such as abdominal hernia, giant colon diverticulum, GIST, intestinal pneumatosis, colon ischemia, cold intussusception, gallstone ileus, and foreign bodies which can require medical and surgical intervention or clinical follow-up. The clinical presentation of this illness is frequently nonspecific: abdominal pain, distension, nausea, fever, rectal bleeding, vomiting, constipation, or a palpable mass, depending on the disease. A proper differential diagnosis is essential in the assessment of treatment and in this case MDCT exam plays a central rule. We wish that this article will familiarize the radiologist in the diagnosis of this kind of incidental MDCT findings for better orientation of the therapy.

Gastrointestinal perforation: ultrasonographic diagnosis.

Gastrointestinal tract perforations can occur for various causes such as peptic ulcer, inflammatory disease, blunt or penetrating trauma, iatrogenic factors, foreign body or a neoplasm that require an early recognition and, often, a surgical treatment.Ultrasonography could be useful as an initial diagnostic test to determine, in various cases the presence and, sometimes, the cause of the pneumoperitoneum.The main sonographic sign of perforation is free intraperitoneal air, resulting in an increased echogenicity of a peritoneal stripe associated with multiple reflection artifacts and characteristic comet-tail appearance.It is best detected using linear probes in the right upper quadrant between the anterior abdominal wall, in the prehepatic space.Direct sign of perforation may be detectable, particularly if they are associated with other sonographic abnormalities, called indirect signs, like thickened bowel loop and air bubbles in ascitic fluid or in a localized fluid collection, bowel or gallbladder thickened wall associated with decreased bowel motility or ileus.Neverthless, this exam has its own pitfalls. It is strongly operator-dependant; some machines have low-quality images that may not able to detect intraperitoneal free air; furthermore, some patients may be less cooperative to allow for scanning of different regions; sonography is also difficult in obese patients and with those having subcutaneous emphysema. Although CT has more accuracy in the detection of the site of perforation, ultrasound may be particularly useful also in patient groups where radiation burden should be limited notably children and pregnant women.