Image-based computer modeling assessment of microwave ablation for treatment of adrenal tumors.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of delivering microwave ablation for targeted treatment of aldosterone producing adenomas using image-based computational models. METHODS: We curated an anonymized dataset of diagnostic 11C-metomidate PET/CT images of 14 patients with aldosterone producing adenomas (APA). A semi-automated approach was developed to segment the APA, adrenal gland, and adjacent organs within 2 cm of the APA boundary. The segmented volumes were used to implement patient-specific 3D electromagnetic-bioheat transfer models of microwave ablation with a 2.45 GHz directional microwave ablation applicator. Ablation profiles were quantitatively assessed based on the extent of the APA target encompassed by an ablative thermal dose, while limiting thermal damage to the adjacent normal adrenal tissue and sensitive critical structures. RESULTS: Across the 14 patients, adrenal tumor volumes ranged between 393 mm3 and 2,395 mm3. On average, 70% of the adrenal tumor volumes received an ablative thermal dose of 240CEM43, while limiting thermal damage to non-target structures, and thermally sparing 83.5-96.4% of normal adrenal gland. Average ablation duration was 293 s (range: 60-600 s). Simulations indicated coverage of the APA with an ablative dose was limited when the axis of the ablation applicator was not well aligned with the major axis of the targeted APA. CONCLUSIONS: Image-based computational models demonstrate the potential for delivering microwave ablation to APA targets within the adrenal gland, while limiting thermal damage to surrounding non-target structures.

First Safety and Performance Evaluation of T45K, a Self-Assembling Peptide Barrier Hemostatic Device, After Skin Lesion Excision.

BACKGROUND: The self-assembling peptide barrier T45K (SAPB-T45K) is an oligopeptide that rapidly forms a biocompatible hemostatic barrier when applied to wounds. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate safety and performance of SAPB-T45K in cutaneous surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-blind study, after sequential shave excision of 2 lesions, wounds were randomized (intrapatient) to SAPB-T45K or control treatment. Safety was assessed at treatment, Day 7, and Day 30. Performance was evaluated using time to hemostasis (TTH) and ASEPSIS wound scores, with a subgroup analysis for patients with or without antiplatelet therapy. RESULTS: Each of 46 patients (10 [22%] with antiplatelet therapy) received randomized SAPB-T45K or control treatment for 2 wounds. Safety assessments were similar, and ASEPSIS scores reflected normal healing in both wound groups. SAPB-T45K demonstrated significantly faster median TTH (24.5 [range, 7-165] seconds) compared with control (44 [10-387] seconds), for a 41% median TTH reduction (18 [95% confidence interval, 7-35] seconds, p < .001). SAPB-T45K provided an identical median TTH of 24 seconds, regardless of antiplatelet therapy. Control median TTH was 90 and 40 seconds for patients taking or not taking antiplatelet therapy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SAPB-T45K provided significantly faster median TTH versus control, especially with antiplatelet therapy, and safety profiles were similar.

Management of iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis with distal involvement.

Endovascular treatment of iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IF DVT) can become more complex when thrombus extends below the knee. This article discusses various techniques that can be used to treat IF DVT with distal involvement.

Sharing images on social media without patient consent.

The purpose of this article is to initiate a discussion around the growing trend of sharing images of patients' scans without their consent on social media. While there are certainly merits in sharing images on social media, if undertaken without due care, it has the potential to be unprofessional and harmful to both patients and the radiology profession. In this article, I will outline some of the positive and negative aspects of sharing radiological images on social media, as well as some proposed solutions to help improve this practice.

Lessons Learned With Venous Stenting: In-flow, Outflow, and Beyond.

Venous stents are being used with increasing frequency, with a multitude of dedicated venous stents now well established or emerging onto the market. This review explores the multifaceted aspects of venous stenting. We discuss the history of venous stents, indications for their use, the imaging required before, during and after stenting, as well as some technical tips and tricks which we have found to be helpful in our own daily practice with a particular focus on iliofemoral venous stenting. Ultimately, this article seeks to enhance the understanding of venous stenting, offering insights into what we feel are best practices, challenges, and prospects for improved patient outcomes.

Acute and chronic venous occlusion.

This review article provides an overview of acute and chronic venous occlusion, a condition that can cause significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The article begins with an introduction to the anatomy of the venous system, followed by a discussion of the causes and clinical features of venous occlusion. The diagnostic tools available for the assessment of venous occlusion, including imaging modalities such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI, are then discussed, along with their respective advantages and limitations. The article also covers the treatment options for acute and chronic venous occlusion, including anticoagulant therapy and endovascular interventions. This review aims to provide radiologists with an updated understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic venous occlusion.

Pneumocephalus and Meningitis as Complications of Mastoiditis.

Pneumocephalus in the absence of trauma, tumour, or surgery is a rare entity. We report a case of a 73-year-old lady who presented with sepsis leading to confusion and unresponsiveness. A CT of brain revealed mastoiditis, sinusitis, and associated pneumocephalus. Further investigations led to an eventual diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis. The combination of pneumocephalus and meningitis as complications of mastoiditis is rare with very few cases published in the literature. We describe one such case.

Traumatic Haemorrhagic Cervical Lymphadenopathy with Underlying Infectious Mononucleosis.

A 16-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with a painful 3 × 3 cm left-sided neck swelling six hours following blunt trauma to the neck from a heavy swinging door. A CT angiogram was performed which revealed a large haemorrhagic lymph node as well as generalised cervical lymphadenopathy. The patient was eventually diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis. This case report describes a rare case of traumatic haemorrhagic cervical lymphadenopathy with an underlying diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis.

Pyogenic Liver Abscess Following an Uncomplicated Colonoscopy.

Pyogenic liver abscess is a potentially devastating clinical entity associated with significant morbidity and mortality[1]. A myriad of causes for liver abscess have been described including intra-abdominal infections such as diverticulitis[2]. Due to a non-specific presentation, clinicians often require a high level of suspicion in their diagnosis of this condition. A handful of cases of liver abscess have been described following colonoscopy which was usually a complicated procedure or one where multiple biopsies had been taken[3,4]. The case of a patient presenting pyrexia of unknown origin one week after undergoing an uncomplicated colonoscopy in which no biopsies were taken is reported. She was ultimately diagnosed with a pyogenic liver abscess. LEARNING POINTS: Pyogenic liver abscess is an important differential when investigating pyrexia of unknown origin.Liver abscesses can rarely occur following colonoscopy.

The sharing of radiological images by professional mixed martial arts fighters on social media.

BACKGROUND: Mixed martial arts is a sport that has recently enjoyed a significant increase in popularity. This rise in popularity has catapulted many of these "cage fighters" into stardom and many regularly use social media to reach out to their fans. An interesting result of this interaction on social media is that athletes are sharing images of their radiological examinations when they sustain an injury. PURPOSE: To review instances where mixed martial arts fighters shared images of their radiological examinations on social media and in what context they were shared. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An Internet search was performed using the Google search engine. Search terms included "MMA," "mixed martial arts," "injury," "scan," "X-ray," "fracture," and "break." Articles which discussed injuries to MMA fighters were examined and those in which the fighter themselves shared a radiological image of their injury on social media were identified. RESULTS: During our search, we identified 20 MMA fighters that had shared radiological images of their injuries on social media. There were 15 different types of injury, with a fracture of the mid-shaft of the ulna being the most common. The most popular social media platform was Twitter. The most common imaging modality X-ray (71%). The majority of injuries were sustained during competition (81%) and 35% of these fights resulted in a win for the fighter. CONCLUSION: Professional mixed martial artists are sharing radiological images of their injuries on social media. This may be in an attempt to connect with fans and raise their profile among other fighters.

The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for soft tissue lipomas: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound has been used in the diagnosis of soft-tissue lesions for well over a decade. Lipomas are the most common, benign, soft-tissue tumor and comprise adipose tissue. The sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing lipomas on ultrasound vary greatly in the literature. PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review on ultrasonography in soft-tissue lipomas to better ascertain the true diagnostic value of this test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of the diagnostic value of ultrasound in lipomas was performed where possible in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using several well-known databases Scopus®, PubMed®, Ovid® Medline, and Web of Science®. RESULTS: A total of 455 articles were identified in the initial literature search. Six papers were included in the final systematic review, which revealed an overall sensitivity and specificity of 86.87% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 82.14-90.73) and 95.95% (95% CI = 93.75-97.54), respectively. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is a useful tool in the diagnosis of superficial lipomas with good sensitivity and even better specificity and should continue to be the first line investigation in such cases.

Diagnosing burned-out hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Daughter's phenotype solidifies father's diagnosis.

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy classically have preserved systolic function in the setting of impaired diastolic function and decreased left ventricular end-diastolic volume. However, in a small sub-population, patients paradoxically develop systolic dysfunction, left ventricular dilatation, and ventricular wall thinning. This pattern is one that is likened to dilated cardiomyopathy and is known as end-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or "burned-out cardiomyopathy." The role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is well defined in narrowing the differential diagnosis of impaired left ventricular function, including that of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, the importance of obtaining a family history and obtaining details of diagnosis for both preceding and future generations cannot be under-estimated. We report a case of end-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that highlights how important family history can be in making a diagnosis. .

Dupuytren's Contracture: A Bibliometric Study of the Most Cited Papers.

The literature on Dupuytren's contracture is vast yet little information is known as to which papers have been the most influential. The purpose of this study was to identify the 50 most cited papers on Dupuytren's contracture and perform a citation analysis. Utilizing the Web of Science, 23 surgical, medical, plastic and hand surgery journals were searched for papers on Dupuytren's contracture. Resulting articles were ranked in order of times cited and each paper was analyzed for article-type, year of publication, country of origin, institution and level of evidence. The 50 most cited articles represent many important landmarks in Dupuytren's treatment and contain several seminal works by experts in the field. Whilst the top 50 list highlights the important papers on the condition, they certainly do not provide information about the quality of the evidence of the research, as most papers presented level 4 or 5 evidence.