Evolutionary Strategies Enable Systematic and Reliable Uncertainty Quantification: A Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study on Resting-State Functional MRI Language Lateralization.

Reliable and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in high-stake medical diagnoses, necessitates effective uncertainty quantification (UQ). Existing UQ methods using model ensembles often introduce invalid variability or computational complexity, rendering them impractical and ineffective in clinical workflow. We propose a UQ approach based on deep neuroevolution (DNE), a data-efficient optimization strategy. Our goal is to replicate trends observed in expert-based UQ. We focused on language lateralization maps from resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). Fifty rs-fMRI maps were divided into training/testing (30:20) sets, representing two labels: "left-dominant" and "co-dominant." DNE facilitated acquiring an ensemble of 100 models with high training and testing set accuracy. Model uncertainty was derived from distribution entropies over the 100 model predictions. Expert reviewers provided user-based uncertainties for comparison. Model (epistemic) and user-based (aleatoric) uncertainties were consistent in the independently and identically distributed (IID) testing set, mainly indicating low uncertainty. In a mostly out-of-distribution (OOD) holdout set, both model and user-based entropies correlated but displayed a bimodal distribution, with one peak representing low and another high uncertainty. We also found a statistically significant positive correlation between epistemic and aleatoric uncertainties. DNE-based UQ effectively mirrored user-based uncertainties, particularly highlighting increased uncertainty in OOD images. We conclude that DNE-based UQ correlates with expert assessments, making it reliable for our use case and potentially for other radiology applications.

Sonography of fat necrosis of the breast: correlation with mammography and MR imaging.

Fat necrosis (FN) of the breast is a benign nonsuppurative inflammatory process of the adipose tissue. The radiologic appearance ranges from benign to suspicious for malignancy; therefore, it is very important to know the distinguishing radiologic features of FN on different modalities. Mammography is more helpful in identifying FN than ultrasonography in most of the cases, and MRI may also be used to rule out malignancy as an adjunct to mammography and sonography. Even when modern diagnostic modalities are used, biopsy may still be unavoidable for some cases. In conclusion, an accurate history and familiarity with the radiologic findings are crucial to recognizing FN and avoiding unnecessary interventions.

Clinical and radiologic features of fungal diseases of the paranasal sinuses.

OBJECTIVE: To document the clinical and imaging characteristics of fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS). METHODS: Imaging studies of 28 patients with FRS were retrospectively analyzed, considering the type of fungal disease, location, signal characteristics, bone changes, expansion, and extrasinus extension. RESULTS: Acute invasive FRS showed unilateral pacifications of the sinonasal cavity, perisinus fat infiltration and/or bone destruction. Chronic invasive FRS demonstrated masslike hyperattenuating soft tissue, with bony destruction. The soft tissue changes were hypointense on T1 and markedly hypointense on T2-weighted images. In allergic FRS, hyperattenuating soft tissue causing paranasal expansion due to allergic mucin was observed on CT. Fungus ball presented as a hyperattenuating lesion with calcifications within a single sinus. CONCLUSION: The radiological features of each type of FRS are distinctive and should afford a specific diagnosis in the proper clinical setting.

Comparison of three methods for the estimation of pineal gland volume using magnetic resonance imaging.

Pineal gland is a very important neuroendocrine organ with many physiological functions such as regulating circadian rhythm. Radiologically, the pineal gland volume is clinically important because it is usually difficult to distinguish small pineal tumors via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although many studies have estimated the pineal gland volume using different techniques, to the best of our knowledge, there has so far been no stereological work done on this subject. The objective of the current paper was to determine the pineal gland volume using stereological methods and by the region of interest (ROI) on MRI. In this paper, the pineal gland volumes were calculated in a total of 62 subjects (36 females, 26 males) who were free of any pineal lesions or tumors. The mean ± SD pineal gland volumes of the point-counting, planimetry, and ROI groups were 99.55 ± 51.34, 102.69 ± 40.39, and 104.33 ± 40.45 mm(3), respectively. No significant difference was found among the methods of calculating pineal gland volume (P > 0.05). From these results, it can be concluded that each technique is an unbiased, efficient, and reliable method, ideally suitable for in vivo examination of MRI data for pineal gland volume estimation.

Pararectal mass: an atypical location of splenosis.

Splenosis is the autotransplantation of splenic tissue resulting from the dissemination of cells from the pulp of the spleen after splenic injury or splenectomy. Implants can be found anywhere in the peritoneal cavity, especially on the serosal surfaces of small and large bowel, in the mesentery and diaphragm, implanted in visceral organs, within the thorax and brain, and in surgical scars and may vary in number, shape, and size. We described the sonographic, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of pararectal splenosis in a 23-year-old man. The lesions appeared as multiple, well-circumscribed, small, round, homogenously solid masses of different sizes at the retrovesical and pelvic region detected during the imaging workup of Behçet disease.

Facial vein aneurysm associated with sialadenitis.

A 20 year-old man presented with pain and swelling of the left submandibular area. Neck sonography revealed enlargement of the submandibular gland, coarsening of its echotexture with a few calculi and a multiloculated cystic lesion. Doppler sonography revealed venous flow within the cystic lesion and aneurysmal dilatation of the adjacent facial vein. CT angiography confirmed the facial vein aneurysm. We hypothesize that inflammation of the gland had weakened the wall of the adjacent facial vein, causing aneurysmal dilatation.

Risk factors associated with breast arterial calcifications.

BACKGROUND: A number of studies have linked the presence of breast arterial calcifications (BACs) with an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and cardiovascular mortality. Because there is a well-established screening system for breast cancer, it has been proposed that the presence of BACs can be used as a warning sign indicating an increased risk of metabolic and vascular diseases. PURPOSE: To determine the relation between BAC and early renal dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 6118 mammograms identified 701 cases with BACs. Women with BACs were compared to a random selection of 362 women without BACs based on available laboratory data. Univariate analysis was conducted according to age groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of BACs was 11.5% in our study. Hyperglycemia increased the odds of BACs by 8.1 (95% CI 3.0-22.1, P < 0.001) in the 50-59-year age group. The presence of an elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine increased the odds of BACs by 2.6 (95% CI 1.2-6.0, P = 0.016) and 2.3 (95% CI 1.0-5.2, P = 0.045) in women ≥70 years of age. Hyperlipidemia was not a significant risk factor for BACs in any age group. CONCLUSION: Our results support the view that the presence of BACs on mammography may be indicative of diabetes in middle-aged women. On the other hand, BACs are not very useful for predicting early renal dysfunction in women <70 years of age.

Retained surgical sponge in differential diagnosis of paraspinal soft-tissue mass after posterior spinal surgery: report of eight cases.

BACKGROUND: In the postoperative period of posterior spinal surgery, surgeons usually encounter a wide spectrum of complications, including retained surgical sponge, gossypiboma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of case records of eight patients diagnosed with gossypiboma with emphasis on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. RESULTS: All the eight patients presented with low back pain and/or symptoms of infection, such as draining from the incision site, fever, and tenderness. The diagnosis was confirmed by the imaging findings on MRI with gadolinium enhancement. CONCLUSION: Retained paravertebral surgical sponges are seldom reported due to medicolegal implications. Awareness of this complication among neurosurgeons and radiologists is essential to avoid unnecessary morbidity.

Multidetector computed tomography findings of double-outlet right ventricle associated with multiple cardiac and visceral anomalies.

A 25-year-old woman who had undergone the Blalock-Taussig shunt operation for double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) in her childhood was admitted to our hospital with mild cyanosis and dyspnea on exertion. To evaluate the precise complex anatomy of this abnormality, we carried out multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography. MDCT clearly revealed both an occluded Blalock-Taussig shunt and a complex cardiac anatomy, including DORV, a doubly committed ventriculoseptal defect, pulmonary stenosis, persistent left superior vena cava, minor aortic arch anomalies, and total anomalous hepatic venous drainage. To our knowledge, our report is the first description of such a complex cardiac anatomy to be revealed with MDCT.

Prolapsing ectopic ureterocele presenting as a vulval mass in a newborn girl.

Prolapse of the ureterocele and its presentation as a vulval mass is an extremely rare condition. There are no detailed imaging findings of such cases in the literature. We present voiding cystourethrography and MRI findings of a newborn girl with a ureterocele extending through the urethra.

Treatment of hypertension from renal artery entrapment by percutaneous CT-guided botulinum toxin injection into diaphragmatic crus as alternative to surgery and stenting.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe the technique and outcome of CT-guided injection of botulinum toxin into the diaphragmatic crus in a patient with hypertension caused by left diaphragmatic crus compression of the left renal artery. CONCLUSION: After the procedure, the patient's hypertension disappeared. We propose this technique, which directly targets inhibition of overactivity of the diaphragmatic crus, for treatment of hypertension caused by diaphragmatic compression of the renal artery as an alternative to surgery and renal artery stenting.

Extrahepatic abdominal hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus: imaging findings.

OBJECTIVE: The classical findings in hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus with liver or lung involvement are well known. However, diagnosing hydatid disease at unusual locations may be challenging because of variable imaging appearances depending on the host reaction. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the sonographic, CT, and MRI features of extrahepatic abdominal hydatid disease including intraperitoneum, retroperitoneum, diaphragma, bone, and soft tissue of the abdomen. CONCLUSION: Extrahepatic abdominal hydatid lesions have nearly identical imaging features, including the presence of cyst wall calcification, daughter cysts, and membrane detachment. The combinations of radiologic and serologic tests especially in patients living in the endemic areas contribute to the diagnosis. Despite their rarity, being familiar with the spectrum of radiologic findings in these unusual sites is helpful to improve diagnostic accuracy.

MR urography in pediatric uropathies with dilated urinary tracts.

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance (MR) urography in children with urinary tract dilatation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five children between the ages of 4 months and 13 years (19 males and 6 females, mean age 6.5 years) were evaluated with T2 weighted and contrast-enhanced T1 weighted MR sequences. Results were compared with findings obtained with ultrasonography (n=25), intravenous urography (n=18), Tc99m- DTPA scintigraphy (n=16), and/or micturating cystouretrography (n=13). RESULTS: MR urography provided a superior imaging of urinary system dilatation, the site and the etiology of obstruction, and both regular and complicated kidney duplication than did conventional imaging methods. MR urography that used T2 weighted sequences was able to demonstrate 29 of 32 (90.6%) abnormal renal collecting systems. Fourteen of 21 (66.7%) normal systems were revealed by heavily T2 weighted images. Forty-six of 51 (90.2%) renal collecting systems could be shown by T1 weighted sequences. With this sequence, however, five collecting systems (9.8%) could not be shown secondary to poor renal function and/or dilution of contrast agent within the dilated urinary tract. CONCLUSION: In children, MR urography may replace conventional uroradiological methods.

Organizing hematoma mimicking brain tumor.

A 64-year-old man was referred to our hospital with progressive loss of function in his right upper and lower extremities. Unenhanced computed tomographic showed a high-density nodular lesion in the left basal ganglion with surrounding hypoattenuation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a predominantly cystic mass with multiple internal septa and an eccentric solid component showing enhancement. Histological examination revealed organizing blood clot and piloid gliosis. This unusual appearance of a mass-like organizing blood clot should be considered in the differential diagnosis when an encapsulated cystic mass with nodular component following the signal characteristics of old blood on MRI is encountered.

The efficacy of bioceramics for the closure of burr-holes in craniotomy: case studies on 14 patients.

PURPOSE: Bioceramics are currently in use to cover bone defects in orthopedics and craniofacial surgery. But their compatibility and efficacy in cranium were not investigated in detail. The aims of this study were to produce, characterize, and assess the biocompatibility and osteointegration of Si-HA, Si-Sr-HA, HA-Wollastonite, and HA-Wollastonite-Frit bioceramics. METHODS: Bioceramics were implanted into the burr holes of 14 craniotomy patients who were followed up from three to 24 months. Radiologic and scintigraphic examinations were performed. RESULTS: Osteoblastic activity quantified by scintigraphy increased from 6.865 to 22.991±1.682 from four to eight months in the HA-Woll group. Adding fritt into HA-Woll decreased osteoblastic activity at 10 months. Si-Sr-HA displayed significantly higher osteoblastic activity when compared to the craniotomy site at 12 months. The scintigraphic ratio of the bioceramic implanted regions to the craniotomy sites varied between 1.10 and 1.57. Osteoblast formation and establishment of the trabecular pattern of bone was observed in the surroundings of bioceramics in two patients. CONCLUSION: These bioceramics can be safely used to cover the burr holes of craniotomy patients, as well as to close the cranial bone defects.

Diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography for patients with suspected scaphoid fractures and negative radiographic examinations.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in detecting occult scaphoid fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 54 patients with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture and negative initial conventional radiographs were evaluated with 64-row MDCT wrist examinations within 1 week of the trauma. The gold standard used was the diagnosis on MRI done within 1 week after MDCT. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MDCT were calculated. RESULTS: MRI showed a total of 22 fractures in 20 of 55 (36%) wrists. Fractures included 14 scaphoid and 8 other carpal bones. MDCT showed a total of 19 fractures in 17 of 55 (30%) wrists. Two isolated scaphoid fractures and one trapezium fracture were missed on MDCT. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MDCT were 86%, 100%, 100%, and 91%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MDCT offers highly accurate results, especially concerning cortical involvement, and is a useful alternative in facilities lacking MRI.

Imaging of extranodal lymphoma with PET/CT.

Hodgkin disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) represent a spectrum of malignant neoplasms arising from the lymphoid system with an incidence of around 8% of all malignancies. Although they are generally known as tumors of lymph nodes, 25% to 40% of HD/NHL tumors, especially NHL, arise at extranodal sites along the gastrointestinal tract, head and neck, orbit, central and peripheral nervous system, thorax, bone, skin, breast, testis, thyroid, and genitourinary tract. Extranodal involvement is an important pretreatment prognostic factor for patients with lymphoma and its incidence has increased in the past 2 decades. Imaging plays an important role in the noninvasive pretreatment assessment of patients with extranodal lymphoma. This involvement can be subtle and may be overlooked during computed tomography (CT). Positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) has evolved into an important imaging tool for evaluation of lymphomas, facilitating the detection of affected extranodal sites even when CT shows subtle or no obvious lesions. Familiarity with extranodal manifestations and suggestive PET/CT features in different sites is important for accurate evaluation of lymphoma. This article reviews the extranodal PET/CT imaging findings regarding HD and NHL.

The buried bumper syndrome: the usefulness of retrieval PEG tubes in its management.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe and easy method and carries a low mortality and complication rate. The buried bumper syndrome is a rare and late complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement. An 80-year-old man with bilateral basal ganglia bleeding was unable to swallow safely and required tube feeding. A Flexiflo Inverta percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube was successfully inserted by pull technique. One year later, he was readmitted to our clinic because of nonfunctioning tube and peristomal cellulites. Endoscopy demonstrated dimpling of the gastric mucosa on the anterior wall of the stomach. Abdominal computed tomography revealed the bumper to be buried in the abdominal wall. The tube was removed by external traction, without any abdominal incision, and a different site was used for the insertion of a new percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. No further problems were encountered over the follow-up period of nine months. As a result, the Flexiflo Inverta percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes with externally removable internal bumpers were found useful in the treatment of buried bumper syndrome, and the buried bumper was easily removed by external traction without any endoscopic or surgical methods.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome: multidetector computed tomography findings.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe the clinical and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography findings of celiac, mesenteric, and renal artery entrapment by the median arcuate ligament. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 453) who underwent MDCT abdominal aorta angiography in a period of 3 years were retrospectively reviewed for vascular compression by median arcuate ligament known as median arcuate ligament syndrome. The MDCT examinations were performed with 16-slice (n = 292) and 64-slice scanners (n = 161). The median arcuate ligament itself and adjacent vascular branches of abdominal aorta were assessed for compression by 2 different radiologists who are experienced on MDCT angiography more than 3 years. Both axial, multiplanar reformatted images and 3-dimensional angiographies were used for interpretation. RESULTS: Twelve patients were found to have clinically significant vessel entrapments by median arcuate ligament; 6 of them with celiac artery, 4 of them with renal artery, and 2 of them with both celiac and mesenteric artery involvement. Patients with celiac and mesenteric vessel entrapments presented with epigastric pain. All patients with renal artery entrapment had resistant hypertension. The MDCT showed the proximal narrowing caused by compression of median arcuate ligament. The proximal portions of renal arteries pulled down and in toward the aorta, with mild to moderate narrowing. CONCLUSIONS: The MDCT exanimation with multiplanar images and 3-dimensional angiography is a noninvasive imaging technique that can be used with high accuracy in the diagnosis of median arcuate ligament syndrome.

Thoracoabdominal aorta coarctation with bilateral renal artery involvement: diagnosis with multidetector CT angiography (MDCTA).

Atypical coarctation of the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta is a very uncommon vascular disease. Congenital, acquired, inflammatory, and infectious etiologies have been proposed. Patients typically presents with uncontrolled secondary hypertension in the upper half of the body or hypotension in the lower extremities in the first three decades of their lives. We report the case of a 20-year-old man with severe hypertension. Diffuse coarctation of thoracoabdominal aorta associated with bilateral renal artery stenosis was demonstrated clearly by multidetector CT angiography. This is the first case of atypical aortic coarctation diagnosed by MDCTA.