Estimation of Normal Semi-circular Canal Dimensions on Computed Tomography.

Aims: To measure and compare length, width and luminal diameters of semi-circular canals (SCC) on Multiplanar reformatted CT images in individuals without any features of vestibular dysfunction. Materials And Methods: A prospective, cross sectional, observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in October - November 2021. Multiplanar reformatted CT temporal bone images of 50 participants without features of vestibular dysfunction were used to measure the curved lengths, widths and luminal diameters of the three semi-circular canals. Unpaired t-test was used to ascertain and compare the values obtained. Results: Fifty participants, 27 women and 23 men (mean age 38.5 years) were included in the study. Mean curved lengths of Superior, posterior and Lateral SCCs were 1.37 cm, 1.33 cm and 1.19 cm respectively. Semi-circular width of Superior SCC (4.8 mm) was significantly larger than Posterior SCC (4.17 mm, p = 0.03) which was significantly larger than Lateral SCC (3.65 mm, p = 0.04). No significant difference was found between mean mid luminal diameters of the three SCCs. Mid luminal diameters were significantly smaller than the diameters at either ends of all SCCs. Conclusion: The results can potentially serve as reference values for Indians and for further studies on pathophysiology of disequilibrium.

Morphometry around Cochleostomy Site to Aid Safe Cochlear Implantation.

Introduction: In morphologically normal-appearing inner ears, measurements of the distance between the round window and carotid canal (RCD), the maximum diameter of the basal turn of the cochlea next to the round window (BD), and the thickness of the promontory (PT) just lateral to the basal turn may be used as guide for safe cochleostomy and implant placement. Materials and Methods: From January to March 2022, a cross-sectional observational study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. The round window to carotid canal distance (RCD), the largest diameter of the cochlea's basal turn next to the round window (BD), and the thickness of the promontory immediately lateral to the basal turn (PT) were measured using CT temporal bone images of 150 persons without cochlear abnormalities. The values obtained were compared using Paired T-test for significance of difference between both genders and sides. Results: A total of 150 participants-75 men and 75 women-with a mean age of 37.5 years were enrolled in the study. With a range of 7.18 mm to 10.52 mm, the mean RCD was 8.84 mm (SD 0.8 mm). The mean BD was 2.27 mm (SD 0.4 mm), while the mean PT was 1.15 mm (SD 0. mm). The values obtained did not differ significantly in both the genders and the right and left sides (p = 0.37 and 0.24, respectively). Conclusion: The present study has defined and calculated pertinent measures at cochleostomy site that will aid safe electrode insertion and prevent misplacement.

Clinical radiology: Going an extra mile for patient care.

CONTEXT: Clinical details help radiologists report accurately. However, the clinical aspect has taken a backseat among radiologists, who are overdependent on referral notes. This leads to inaccurate assessment, financial burden, and loss of man hours. AIMS: To re-emphasize the benefits of detailed clinical evaluation and real-time monitoring of imaging in interpreting images. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was done in the Department of Radiodiagnosis for 10 days, including all referred patients above 18 years of age. Detailed history taking and examination was done by radiologists prior to imaging. Any additional significant clinical detail was endorsed on the referral slips. Appropriate imaging modality under given circumstances was carried out. Imaging was studied by the radiologists, near simultaneously with the acquisition. Any additional imaging needed was performed on the same day. Comprehensive reports with specific outputs were provided. Wherever apt, imaging-guided management options were offered to the patients. RESULTS: During the study, 1024 patients with mean age of 46.3 years underwent various types of imaging, including radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound scans, and fluoroscopic procedures. Additional clinical details were endorsed in referral slips in 32.4% patients, 53% of which helped in interpreting images appropriately. Primary imaging modality was changed in 3% patients. Additional imaging was done in 10.9% patients. 3.6% of patients underwent imaging-guided procedures. CONCLUSION: Detailed history taking and examination help radiologists in deciding appropriate imaging and better interpretation of images. This will also reduce the number of visits to the hospital and expenditure on part of patients.

Doppler indices of superior thyroid artery in clinically euthyroid adults.

CONTEXT: Ultrasonography of thyroid gland is a frequently performed investigation. Many of the diffuse thyroid pathologies are associated with altered vascularity. In view of potential applications and scant available data, there is a need to find normal values of Doppler indices of superior thyroid artery (STA). AIMS: To find the normal range of Doppler indices like mean peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistivity index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) of STA in clinically euthyroid adult individuals. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was done in the Department of Radiodiagnosis of a tertiary care hospital, involving clinically euthyroid adult volunteers. Ultrasonography of the thyroid gland with Doppler of bilateral STAs was performed and mean values of PSV, RI, and PI were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 208 subjects, with a mean age of 37.7 years, underwent Doppler evaluation of STA; 148 of them were women and 60 were men. The mean PSV obtained was 16.94 ± 5.3 cm/s. Mean PI and RI were 0.93 ± 0.31 and 0.5 ± 0.13, respectively. There was no significant difference in the values obtained among both the genders. CONCLUSION: Mean values of Doppler indices of STA in euthyroid individuals have been found in this study.

A Study of Effect of Consanguinity on Cochlear Morphology in Patients with Congenital Bilateral Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Consanguinity has been considered as one of the risk factors predisposing to the development of congenital hearing loss. Effect of consanguinity on cochlear morphology has been subject of speculation, though many studies have provided insight into functional aspect of cochlea. This study was conducted to know the effect of consanguinity on cochlear morphology, if any. A prospective, observational study, including prelingually deaf children with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss who are registered as candidates for cochlear implantation at a tertiary care centre, was conducted. Seven children born out of consanguineous marriages and having bilateral congenital sensorineural hearing loss were imaged for their inner ears by MRI and various cochlear measurements were compared with that of seven control children born out of non-consanguineous marriages and who had congenital bilateral sensorineural hearing deafness. No statistically significant differences were noticed in the measurements of mean cochlear length, cross sectional diameter of cochlea at apex, middle turn and at basal turns; between children born of consanguineous and non-consanguineous marriages. Study revealed normal cochlear morphology in all the children born out of consanguineous marriages. Consanguinity, as a risk factor for development of sensorineural hearing loss, may not result in gross structural anomaly of cochlea. The genetic testing of these patients need not be extensive and can be limited to selective screening of genes responsible for functioning of cochlea rather than its anatomical development.

A Comparative Study of Pituitary Volume Variations in MRI in Acute Onset of Psychiatric Conditions.

INTRODUCTION: The growing belief that endocrine abnormalities may underlie many mental conditions has led to increased use of imaging and hormonal assays in patients attending to psychiatric OPDs. People who are in an acute phase of a psychiatric disorder show Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity, but the precise underlying central mechanisms are unclear. AIM: To assess the pituitary gland volume variations in patients presenting with new onset acute psychiatric illness in comparison with age and gender matched controls by using MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 50 patients, with symptoms of acute psychiatric illness presenting within one month of onset of illness and 50 age and gender matched healthy controls. Both patients and controls were made to undergo MRI of the Brain. A 0.9 mm slices of entire brain were obtained by 3 dimensional T1 weighted sequence. Pituitary gland was traced in all sagittal slices. Anterior pituitary and posterior pituitary bright spot were measured separately in each slice. Volume of the pituitary (in cubic centimetre- cm3) was calculated by summing areas. Significance of variations in pituitary gland volumes was compared between the cases and controls using Analysis of Covariance (ANOVA). RESULTS: There were significantly larger pituitary gland volumes in the cases than the controls, irrespective of psychiatric diagnosis (ANOVA, f=15.56; p=0.0002). Pituitary volumes in cases were 15.36% (0.73 cm3) higher than in controls. CONCLUSION: There is a strong likelihood of HPA axis overactivity during initial phase of all mental disorders along with increased pituitary gland volumes. Further studies including hormonal assays and correlation with imaging are likely to provide further insight into neuroanatomical and pathological basis of psychiatric disorders.