Common atherosclerosis genetic risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis: the relevance of disease duration.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common systemic autoimmune disease characterized by increased cardiovascular morbidity. Several previous studies assessed associations between common atherosclerotic genetic risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) in RA patients, yet most of them gave negative results. We undertook a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association between previously reported SNPs and subclinical atherosclerosis in a cohort of Polish RA patients. 29 SNPs associated with atherosclerosis in general population were genotyped in 289 RA patients: 116 patients with SA (increased carotid intima-media thickness and/or presence of carotid plaque) and 173 patients without SA. To assess the cumulative effect of SNPs we calculated 3 weighted genetic risk scores: GRSIMT, GRSCP and GRSCAD, comprising intima-media thickness-associated SNPs, carotid plaque-associated SNPs and coronary artery disease-associated SNPs, respectively. None of the SNPs showed a significant association with SA. However, we found an association between SA and GRSIMT. Interestingly, this association was limited to patients with short disease duration (P = 0.00004 vs. P > 0.5, for comparison of GRSIMT among patients within the 1st quartile of disease duration vs. others, respectively). Patients within the 1st quartile of disease duration were more frequently disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)-naïve and less frequently treated with biologics. Our study suggests that in patients with early RA subclinical atherosclerosis may be driven by similar genetic factors as in general population, while in long-lasting disease, the role common genetic risk factors may decrease. Possibly, this effect may be due to the influence of DMARDs.

Left Ventricular Strain and Relaxation Are Independently Associated with Renal Cortical Perfusion in Hypertensive Patients.

Renal perfusion, which depends on cardiac function, is a factor conditioning the work of kidneys. The objective of the study was to assess the influence of cardiac function, including left ventricular contractility and relaxation, on renal cortical perfusion in patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease treated pharmacologically. There were 63 patients (7 F and 56 M; aged 56 ± 14) with hypertension and stable chronic kidney disease enrolled into the study. Serum cystatin C, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), echocardiography with speckle tracking imaging and the calculation of global longitudinal strain (GLS), diameter of vena cava inferior (VCI), and an ultrasound dynamic tissue perfusion measurement of the renal cortex were performed. We found that the renal cortical perfusion correlated significantly with age, renal function, cIMT, GLS, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), diastolic peak values of early (E) and late (A) mitral inflow velocities ratio (E/A) and E to early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity (E/E'), but not with VCI, or the right ventricle echocardiographic parameters. In multivariable regression analysis adjusted to age, only eGFR, E/E', and GLS were independently related to renal cortical perfusion (r 2 = 0.44; p < 0.001). In conclusion, the intensity of left ventricular strain and relaxation independently influence renal cortical perfusion in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease. A reduction in left ventricular global longitudinal strain is superior to left ventricular ejection fraction in the prediction of a decline in renal cortical perfusion.

The role of modern diagnostic imaging in diagnosing and differentiating kidney diseases in children.

Urinary tract diseases are in the group of the most commonly diagnosed medical conditions in pediatric patients. Many diseases with different etiologies are accompanied by pain, fever, hematuria, or urinary tract dysfunction. Those most common ones in children are urinary tract infections and congenital malformation. They can also represent tumors or changes caused by systemic diseases. Clinical tests and even more often additional imaging studies are required to make a proper diagnosis of urinary tract diseases. Just a few decades ago urography, cystography or voiding cystourethrography were the main methods in diagnostic imaging of the urinary tract. Today's imaging methods supported by digital radiographic and fluoroscopy systems, high sensitivity detectors with quantum detection, advanced algorithms eliminating motion artifacts, modern medical imaging monitors with a resolution of three or even eight megapixels significantly differ from conventional radiographic methods. The methods that are currently usually performed are: computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, isotopic methods and ultrasonography using elastography and new solutions in Doppler imaging. Modern techniques are currently focused on reducing radiation exposure with better imaging capabilities. The development of these techniques became an essential diagnostic aid in nephrological and urological practice. The aim of this paper is to present the latest solutions that are currently used in the diagnostic imaging of urinary tract diseases.

Diagnostic imaging of the nasolacrimal drainage system. Part I. Radiological anatomy of lacrimal pathways. Physiology of tear secretion and tear outflow.

Excessive watering of the eye is a common condition in ophthalmological practice. It may be the result of excessive production of tear fluid or obstruction and insufficiency of efferent tear pathways. The differentiation between obstruction and insufficiency of the lacrimal pathways is still clinically questionable. In the diagnostic process it is necessary to perform clinical tests and additional diagnostic imaging is often needed. Dacryocystography, with or without the extension of the dynamic phase or subtraction option, still remains the criterion standard for diagnostic imaging of the lacrimal obstruction. It may help to clarify the cause and exact place of the obstruction and provide information for further management, especially surgical treatment. Increasingly, new techniques are used in diagnostic imaging of the lacrimal tract, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and isotopic methods. Adequate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lacrimal system and the secretion and outflow of tears is the basis for proper diagnostic imaging. The purpose of this paper is to present the exact anatomy of the lacrimal system, with particular emphasis on the radiological anatomy and the current state of knowledge about the physiology of tear secretion and drainage.

Pulmonary Function, Computed Tomography Lung Abnormalities, and Small Airway Disease after COVID-19: 3-, 6-, and 9-Month Follow-Up.

Background/Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) course may differ among individuals-in particular, those with comorbidities may have severe pneumonia, requiring oxygen supplementation or mechanical ventilation. Post-COVID-19 long-term structural changes in imaging studies can contribute to persistent respiratory disturbance. This study aimed to investigate COVID-19 sequels affecting the possibility of persistent structural lung tissue abnormalities and their influence on the respiratory function of peripheral airways and gas transfer. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups according to severity grades described by the World Health Organization. Among the 176 hospitalized patients were 154 patients with mask oxygen supplementation and 22 patients with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) or mechanical ventilation. All tests were performed at 3, 6, and 9 months post-hospitalization. Results: Patients in the severe/critical group had lower lung volumes in FVC, FVC%, FEV1, FEV1%, LC, TLC%, and DLCO% at three months post-hospitalization. At 6 and 9 months, neither group had significant FVC and FEV1 value improvements. The MEF 25-75 values were not significantly higher in the mild/moderate group than in the severe/critical group at three months. There were weak significant correlations between FVC and FEV1, MEF50, MEF 75, plethysmography TLC, disturbances in DLCO, and total CT abnormalities in the severe/critical group at three months. In a mild/moderate group, there was a significant negative correlation between the spirometry, plethysmography parameters, and CT lesions in all periods. Conclusions: Persistent respiratory symptoms post-COVID-19 can result from fibrotic lung parenchyma and post-infectious stenotic small airway changes not visible in CT, probably due to persistent inflammation.

Dual-energy computed tomography as a lower radiation dose alternative to perfusion computed tomography in tumor viability assessment.

To present the utility of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in the assessment of angiogenesis of focal lesions as an example of a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). This prospective study comprised 28 patients with SPN who underwent DECT and perfusion computed tomography (CTP), according to a proprietary protocol. Two radiologists independently analyzed four perfusion parameters, namely blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), the time to maximum of the tissue residue function (Tmax), permeability surface area product (PS) from CTP, in addition to the iodine concentration (IC) and normalized iodine concentration (NIC) of the SPN from DECT. We used the Pearson R correlation and interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. The mean tumor size was 23.5 ± 6.5 mm. We observed good correlations between IC and BF (r = 0.78, p < 0.000) and NIC and BF (r = 0.71, p < 0.000) as well as between IC and BV (r = 0.73, p < 0.000) and NIC and BV (r = 0.73, p < 0.000) and poor correlation between IC and PS (r = 0.38, p = 0.044).There was no correlation between NIC and PS (r = 0.35, p = 0.064), IC content and Tmax (r = - 0.28, p = 0.147) and NIC and Tmax (r = - 0.21, p = 0.266). Inter-reader agreement on quantitative parameters at CTP (ICCPS = 0.97, ICCTmax = 0.96, ICCBV = 0.98, and ICCBF = 0.99) and DECT (ICCIC = 0.98) were excellent. The radiation dose was significantly lower in DECT than that in CTP (4.84 mSv vs. 9.07 mSv, respectively). DECT is useful for the functional assessment of oncological lesions with less exposure to radiation compared to perfusion computed tomography.

Efficacy of Cerebrolysin Treatment as an Add-On Therapy to Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Large Vessel Occlusion: Study Protocol for a Prospective, Open Label, Single-Center Study With 12 Months of Follow-Up.

This study is designed to determine the efficacy of Cerebrolysin treatment as an add-on therapy to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in reducing global disability in subjects with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We have planned a single center, prospective, open-label, single-arm study with a 12-month follow-up of 50 patients with moderate to severe AIS, with a small established infarct core and with good collateral circulation who achieve significant reperfusion following MT and who receive additional Cerebrolysin within 8 h of stroke onset compared to 50 historical controls treated with MT alone, matched for age, clinical severity, occlusion location, baseline perfusion lesion volume, onset to reperfusion time, and use of iv thrombolytic therapy. The primary outcome measure will be the overall proportion of subjects receiving Cerebrolysin compared to the control group experiencing a favorable functional outcome (by modified Rankin Scale 0-2) at 90 days, following stroke onset. The secondary objectives are to determine the efficacy of Cerebrolysin as compared to the control group in reducing the risk of symptomatic secondary hemorrhagic transformation, improving neurological outcomes (NIHSS 0-2 at day 7, day 30, and 90), reducing mortality rates (over the 90-day and 12 months study period), and improving: activities of daily living (by Barthel Index), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) assessed at day 30, 90, and at 12 months. The other measures of efficacy in the Cerebrolysin group will include: assessment of final stroke volume and penumbral salvage (measured by CT/CTP at 30 days) and its change compared to baseline volume, changes over time in language function (by the 15-item Boston Naming Test), hemispatial neglect (by line bisection test), global cognitive function (by The Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and depression (by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) between day 30 and day 90 assessments). The patients will receive 30 ml of Cerebrolysin within 8 h of AIS stroke onset and continue treatment once daily until day 21 (first cycle) and they will receive a second cycle of treatment (30 ml/d for 21 days given in the Outpatient Department or Neurorehabilitation Clinic) from day 69 to 90.

Vascular and Vasogenic Manifestations of Systemic ANCA-Associated Vasculitis with Renal Involvement in Non-Contrast Brain MRI in Patients with Acute Disease Onset.

Background. Data concerning central nervous system (CNS) alterations in ANCA-associated vasculitis with renal involvement (AAVR) are sparse. The study aimed to assess vascular and vasogenic brain alterations in patients with acute onset of AAVR and the applicability of non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in this diagnosis. Methods. Thirty-eight patients with acute onset of AAVR were included in the study. BVAS/WG, c-ANCA, p-ANCA, renal function and perfusion, neurological assessment, and brain MRI were performed. Results. Cerebral vascular alternating narrowing and dilatation (VAND) was detected in 42.1% of patients, and the black-blood was significantly more diagnostic than the TOF technique (p < 0.001). VAND occurrence was independently associated with the concentration of p-ANCA. The vasogenic white matter lesions (VWML) were found in 94.4% of patients, and in their detection, SWAN was significantly better than the FLAIR technique (p = 0.002). The number of VWML correlated with age and cranial nerve damage. Hemosiderin deposits were found in 21.6% of patients and were associated with a gait impairment and paresthesia. Conclusions. Vascular and vasogenic alterations in the CNS are frequent in patients with acute onset of systemic ANCA-associated vasculitis with renal involvement. Non-contrast MRI is useful in the diagnosis of brain vasculitis.

Contrast-induced nephropathy--a review of current literature and guidelines.

The use of iodine-based contrast agents always entails the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). The recently observed dramatic increase in the number of examinations and therapeutic procedures using iodine-based contrast media led us to conduct a thorough analysis of the growing number of scientific reports and collective works devoted to contrast-induced nephropathy, based on current definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, successful prophylaxis and guidelines of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR). Radiological contrast agents are the third most common cause of nephropathy among in-patients, accounting for 11-12% of cases. CIN is connected with some clinically significant consequences, including increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalisation, increased risk of complications, potential need for dialysis and increased mortality rate. A significant increase in the number of examinations applying iodine-based contrast media in the course of inpatient procedures requires close cooperation of the clinician and radiologist, supported by knowledge of all CIN issues. In order to protect patients from contrast-induced nephropathy, it is necessary to monitor their renal function, indentify patients with risk factors, refer patients for examinations in a responsible manner, and undertake successful preventive measures.

Cytokines and Leukocytes Subpopulations Profile in SARS-CoV-2 Patients Depending on the CT Score Severity.

The role of the adaptive microenvironment components in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) infection is widely researched, but remains unclear. Studying the common dynamics of adaptive immune response changes can help understand the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in critical patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the cytokines concentration and leukocyte subpopulations profiles in the severe COVID-19 (n = 23) and critical (n = 18) COVID-19 group distinguished by the computed tomography (CT) severity score. We observed lower percentage of lymphocyte subpopulation, higher neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) and higher IL-6 concentration in critical COVID-19 group than in severe group. CT severity score was negative correlated with proportion of lymphocytes, lymphocytes T, CD4+ cells, Treg cells and NK cells and positive correlated with neutrophils, NLR, and IL-6. In critical group more correlations between cytokines and lymphocytes were observed, mainly between TNF-α, IL-1ß and lymphocyte subpopulations. The collective assessment of the cytokine profile, leukocyte subpopulations and the CT severity score can help to characterize and differentiate patient in advanced COVID-19 than the study of single parameters. We have shown that the interconnection of elements of the adaptive microenvironment can play an important role in critical COVID-19 cases.

Assessment of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules Based on Virtual Monochrome Images and Iodine-Dependent Images Using a Single-Source Dual-Energy CT with Fast kVp Switching.

With lung cancer being the most common malignancy diagnosed worldwide, lung nodule assessment has proved to be one of big challenges of modern medicine. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) in solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) assessment. Between January 2017 and June 2018; 65 patients (42 males and 23 females) underwent DECT scans in the late arterial phase (AP) and venous phase (VP). We concluded that imaging at an energy level of 65 keV was the most accurate in detecting malignancy in solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) measuring ≤30 mm in diameter on virtual monochromatic maps. Both virtual monochromatic images and iodine concentration maps prove to be highly useful in differentiating benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. As for iodine concentration maps, the analysis of venous phase images resulted in the highest clinical usefulness. To summarize, DECT may be a useful tool in the differentiation of benign and malignant SPNs. A single-phase DECT examination with scans acquired 90 s after contrast media injection is recommended.

[Causes of epiphora in diagnosed and treated patients in Department of Ophthalmology in Military Institute of Health Service]. / Okulistyczne przyczyny patologicznego lzawienia u pacjentów diagnozowanych i leczonych w Poradni Przyklinicznej Kliniki Okulistycznej WIM.

PURPOSE: Analysis of causes of epiphora in patients which have been examined in Department of Ophthalmology in Military Institute of Health Service from 2004 to 2007. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study has comprised 330 subjects: 241 women and 89 men (mean age 58.85 +/- 19.93 years). All patients have been examined because of epiphora (eyelid and lacrimal punctum position, medial canthal tendon laxity--horizontal resting position, lateral distraction test, fluorescein dye disappearance test, syringing of the upper and lower canaliculus, dacryocystography and/or lacrimal scintigraphy). RESULTS: There have been 3% patients with epiphora who have been examined in our clinic. Duration of epiphora has been mean 39.24 months. The main causes of epiphora have been: primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, idiopathic acquired dacryostenosis, punctal stenosis (22.42%, 19.7%, 19.09%), and rare: diverticulum, punctal papilloma, stenosis after radiotheraphy, Recklinghausen's disease. CONCLUSIONS: The correct diagnosis is the condition for the proper planning of the therapy schedule. Epiphora is frequent and annoying symptom.

Diagnostic errors in musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and how to avoid them.

The article reviews the major challenges related to the principles of the correct technique of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US). All the crucial aspects of correct MSK soft tissue diagnosis have been discussed, including equipment settings, use of recent image software innovations and ultrasound standoff pads, and correct transducer positioning. The importance of the fundamental principles of MSK US, facilitating good quality image and limiting the occurrence of artifacts, has been highlighted. The most common artifacts of the musculoskeletal system have been described, including those that diagnostically helpful, such as the presence of echo enhancement deep to a fluid-filled structure, or an acoustic shadow behind a calcification. The presence of acoustic shadow in the context of lesions of a different type has also been discussed. The common anisotropy-related artifacts, frequently leading to diagnosis of a pathological condition where none is present, have been elaborated on. The frequently encountered mirror reflection artifact has been described. Special attention has been paid to the means of either eliminating, or taking advantage of artifacts for the correct diagnosis of musculoskeletal lesions. The possibilities and technique of correct differentiation of hypoechoic or anechoic foci, commonly found in the pathological conditions of the musculoskeletal system, have been analysed. Non-typical ultrasound findings leading to misdiagnosis of given pathological conditions have been discussed.

Ultrasonography versus magnetic resonance imaging in detecting and grading common extensor tendon tear in chronic lateral epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the diagnostic performance and reliability of ultrasonography (US) in detecting and grading common extensor tendon (CET) tear in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis (LE), using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised fifty-eight chronic LE patients. Each patient underwent US and MRI. CET status was classified as: high-grade tear (≥50% thickness), low-grade tear (<50% thickness), suspected tear (possible but not evident tear), no tear. Additionally, the following dichotomous scale was used: confirmed or unconfirmed CET tear. Relative US parameters (versus MRI) for detecting CET tear included: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy. The agreement between US and MRI findings was measured using the weighted Cohen kappa coefficient (κ). RESULTS: US showed moderate agreement with MRI in detecting and grading CET tear (κ = 0.49). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in CET tear detecting by US were 64.52%, 85.19%, and 72.73%, respectively. PPV and NPV of US were 83.33% and 67.65%, respectively. No patient with unconfirmed CET tear on US had high-grade CET tear on MRI. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a valuable imaging modality that can be used as a screening tool to exclude high-grade CET tear in chronic LE patients. Once a tear is evident on US, MRI should be considered to assess precisely the extent of tendon injury.

Radiology of upper gastrointestinal tract with ASGB (adjustable silicone gastric banding) for morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a result of multiple risk factors of atherosclerosis and diabetes. Obesity is an especially well recognized etiological factor. A rapidly increasing number of obese people constitutes a major social health problem in the developed, as well as developing countries. Bariatric surgeries are among methods of obesity treatment that gain on popularity. They include adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB), and adjustable laparoscopic gastric banding (ALGB). MATERIAL/METHODS: The aim of our study was to analyze and present the most typical radiological images obtained during 130 upper gastrointestinal tract examinations in patients after ASGB or ALGB in the last three years. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: ASGB and ALGB are effective and safe. However, they are connected with some postoperative complications. Application of these surgical procedures requires periodic, long-term radiological evaluations and cooperation between surgeons and radiologists. The radiologist must be familiar with bariatric surgical techniques, their complications and typical radiological presentations.