Assessment of Plaque Characteristics by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Stent Restenosis following Carotid Artery Stenting: A Retrospective Study.

Background and objective: carotid artery stenosis contributes significantly to ischemic strokes, with management options including carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) ischemic stroke risk can be reduced. Controversies persist regarding their efficacy and factors influencing complications, and understanding the relationship between atherosclerotic plaque characteristics and stent restenosis after CAS is crucial. Methods: we conducted a retrospective study involving 221 patients who underwent CAS for symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Comprehensive assessments of plaque morphology were performed using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) before CAS. Patient demographics, including smoking status and diabetes, were also recorded. Stent restenosis was diagnosed using various imaging modalities, including ultrasound, angiography, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Results: plaque analysis using CEUS revealed a significant association between plaque grade and restenosis incidence (p < 0.001), particularly with grade 0 (11.1%) and grade 2 plaques (66.7%). Smoking was notably associated with plaque vascularization and restenosis (p < 0.001), while diabetes did not significantly impact plaque characteristics or restenosis risk (p > 0.05). The mean duration of restenosis was 17.67 months. Stenting was the most frequent treatment modality for restenosis (70.6%). However, no significant relationship was found between restenosis type and plaque morphology (p = 0.268). Furthermore, while no clear relationship was observed between plaque morphology and the type of restenosis, our findings underscored the importance of plaque characterization in predicting post-CAS outcomes. Conclusions: this study highlights the utility of CEUS in predicting stent restenosis following CAS. There was a significant association between stent restenosis within 12-24 months after the carotid stenting procedure and an elevated grade of plaque vascularization. Moreover, one of the main factors possibly determining the grade of plaque vascularization was smoking. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and refine risk stratification in this patient population.

Assessment of atherosclerotic plaque morphology using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and its impact on primary cardiovascular events following simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of stroke after on-pump cardiac surgery during the perioperative period can affect up to 2% of patients, and is frequently linked to carotid artery disease. Notably, in patients with significant unilateral carotid artery stenosis of 80%-99%, the risk of stroke reaches 4%. Among individuals undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 3% to 10% exhibit significant carotid artery stenosis. To mitigate the risk of stroke and mortality, patients can undergo either simultaneous or staged carotid endarterectomy and CABG. The aim of this study was to assess whether early postoperative complications, including stroke, following simultaneous CABG/CAE procedures, correlate with morphological attributes of carotid plaque, assessed via contrast-enhanced ultrasound. METHODS: A single centre retrospective analysis was performed including 62 patients who underwent simultaneous CABG/CEA between 2019 and 2022. Our study excluded patients who underwent staged carotid endarterectomy and CABG procedures, off-pump CABG, or those necessitating urgent CABG. Our analysis focused on patients meeting elective CABG criteria, diagnosed with symptomatic triple-vessel or left main trunk coronary artery disease (CAD), alongside asymptomatic carotid stenosis (a. carotis internae) exceeding 70% or symptomatic ipsilateral carotid stenosis surpassing 50%. The extent of contralateral carotid artery stenosis was not taken into account. Prior to the CEA/CABG procedure, each patient underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound to assess atherosclerotic lesions, which were classified using Nakamura et al.'s classification. Among the patients, 37.1% exhibited no neovascularisation within the atherosclerotic plaque, 56.5% showed insignificant neovascularisation, and 6.5% displayed notable neovascularization within the plaque. Our study aimed to establish a connection between the degree of plaque vascularisation identified through contrast-enhanced ultrasound and subsequent postoperative complications. RESULTS: Upon evaluating postoperative complications occurring within 30 days after the surgery and the plaque morphology identified through contrast-enhanced ultrasound, a statistically significant correlation was observed between a higher grade of plaque vascularisation and the occurrence of ischaemic stroke (r = 0.329, p = .008). Monte Carlo calculations of the Chi-square test indicated a significant association between a higher grade of plaque vascularisation and the presence of peripheral artery disease (χ2 = 15.175, lls = 2, p = .003). CONCLUSION: Within 30 days of surgery, a significant correlation exists between the occurrence of ischaemic stroke following carotid endarterectomy subsequent to CABG and the presence of a higher grade plaque vascularisation as identified by contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

Prognostic Value of Tumor Volume, Tumor Volume Reduction Rate and Magnetic Resonance Tumor Regression Grade in Rectal Cancer.

Background and Objectives: Rectal cancer poses significant treatment challenges, especially in advanced stages. Radiologic assessment, particularly with MRI, is critical for surgeons and oncologists to understand tumor dynamics and tailor treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to correlate MRI-based tumor volumetric and tumor regression grade analysis in patients with advanced rectal cancer, assessing the impact of preoperative chemotherapy (CT) alone or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on surgical technique choices. Materials and Methods: Between 2015 and 2022, a prospective study was enrolled, including a cohort of 89 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer at stage II or III. The participants were divided into two distinct therapy groups, ensuring an equal distribution with a ratio of 1:1. The initial group was treated with the contemporary preoperative chemotherapy protocol FOLFOX4. In contrast, the alternative group received conventional preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Before surgery, each patient underwent a rectal MRI scan at 1.5 T, including T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences. Results: The CT group showed a 36.52% tumor volume reduction rate (TVRR), and the CRT group showed 54.87%, with varying magnetic resonance and pathological tumor regression grades (mrTRG and pTRG). Analysis revealed a significant interaction between mrTRG and tumor volumetrics (volume and VRR) in both groups, especially CRT, underscoring the complexity of tumor response. Both treatment groups had similar initial tumor volumes, with CRT displaying a higher TVRR, particularly in higher pathological TRG (3/4) cases. This interaction and the strong correlation between mrTRG and pTRG suggest mrTRG's role as a non-invasive predictor for treatment response, highlighting the need for personalized treatment plans. Conclusions: Rectal tumor volume, volume reduction rate, and mrTRG are not just abstract measures; they are concrete indicators that have a direct and practical impact on surgical decision-making, planning, and prognosis, ultimately influencing the quality of care and life expectancy of patients with rectal cancer.

Prostatic Artery Embolization as a Treatment Option for Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Results from the Prospective Follow-Up Study in Lithuania.

Background: The endovascular treatment of symptomatic benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) by prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is one of the new treatments proposed. PAE is a minimally invasive alternative that has been shown to successfully treat lower urinary tract symptoms in BPH patients by causing infarction and necrosis of hyperplastic adenomatous tissue, which decompresses urethral impingement and improves obstructive symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of PAE in relieving symptoms in patients with symptomatic BPH. Materials and Methods: The material for the study was collected from 2019 to 2022. A total of 70 men with BPH and PAE were studied. Patients underwent an urological examination to measure the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life score (QoL), International Index of Erectile Function short form (IIEF-5), uroflowmetry with Qmax, prostatic volume (PV), and post-void residual volume (PVR) measurements. Statistical analysis for dependent samples was applied. Measured parameters at 2 months and 6 months follow-up were compared to baseline. Results: At baseline, the age of the male (N = 70) subjects was 74 ± 9.6 years with a median of 73.8, but fluctuated from 53 to 90 years. The mean of PV was almost 111 mL and the Qmax was close to 7.7 mL/s. The average PVR was 107.6 mL. The IPSS score mean was 21.3 points and the QoL score was 4.53 points. The IIEF-5 questionnaire score was almost 1.8 points, which shows severe erectile dysfunction. The mean value of the PSA level was 5.8 ng/mL. After 2 and 6 months of PAE, all indicators and scores except erectile function significantly improved. Conclusions: The outcomes of our study show promising results for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia after PAE. The main prostate-related parameters (PV, Qmax, PVR, IPSS) improved significantly 6 months after embolization.

MRI Evaluation of Rectal Cancer Lymph Node Staging Using Apparent Diffusion Coefficient.

Introduction Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer globally. Lymph node metastases significantly affect prognosis, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management. Despite significant advances in conventional MRI's role in staging, improvements in advanced functional imaging such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in identifying lymph node metastases persist. Objectives The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) MRI in evaluating lymph node staging in rectal cancer. Patients and methods In a prospective study, 89 patients with stage II-III rectal cancer were grouped into two treatments: pre-operative FOLFOX4 chemotherapy and standard pre-operative chemoradiotherapy. All underwent 1.5T MRI, with T2-weighted and DWI sequences. A radiologist defined regions of interest on the tumor, lymph nodes, and intact rectal wall to calculate ADC values. Results Rectal cancer ADC's receiver operating characteristic curve had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.688 (P < 0.001), with optimal ADC cutoff at 0.99 x 10-3 mm2/s (sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 83%). For lymph nodes, AUC was 0.508 (P < 0.001), with a cutoff of 0.9 x 10-3 mm2/s (sensitivity: 78%, specificity: 67%). No correlation between tumor and lymph node ADC values was observed. In chemotherapy patients, "healthy" inguinal lymph nodes had higher ADC values than affected ones pre-treatment (P = 0.001), a disparity fading post-treatment (P = 0.313). For chemoradiotherapy patients, the ADC difference persisted pre and post-treatment (P = 0.001). Conclusion The study of ADC-MRI showed different ADC values between tumors and lymph nodes and highlighted ADC differences between treatment groups. Notably, no correlation was observed between tumor and lymph node ADC values. However, differences were apparent when comparing "healthy" inguinal nodes with lymph nodes affected by cancer.

Diagnostic Approaches to Adult-Type Diffuse Glial Tumors: Comparative Literature and Clinical Practice Study.

Gliomas are the most frequent intrinsic central nervous system tumors. The new 2021 WHO Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors brought significant changes into the classification of gliomas, that underline the role of molecular diagnostics, with the adult-type diffuse glial tumors now identified primarily by their biomarkers rather than histology. The status of the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 or 2 describes tumors at their molecular level and together with the presence or absence of 1p/19q codeletion are the most important biomarkers used for the classification of adult-type diffuse glial tumors. In recent years terminology has also changed. IDH-mutant, as previously known, is diagnostically used as astrocytoma and IDH-wildtype is used as glioblastoma. A comprehensive understanding of these tumors not only gives patients a more proper treatment and better prognosis but also highlights new difficulties. MR imaging is of the utmost importance for diagnosing and supervising the response to treatment. By monitoring the tumor on followup exams better results can be achieved. Correlations are seen between tumor diagnostic and clinical manifestation and surgical administration, followup care, oncologic treatment, and outcomes. Minimal resection site use of functional imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have become indispensable tools in invasive treatment. Perfusion imaging provides insightful information about the vascularity of the tumor, spectroscopy shows metabolic activity, and nuclear medicine imaging displays tumor metabolism. To accommodate better treatment the differentiation of pseudoprogression, pseudoresponse, or radiation necrosis is needed. In this report, we present a literature review of diagnostics of gliomas, the differences in their imaging features, and our radiology's departments accumulated experience concerning gliomas.

Small Renal Masses without Gross Fat: What Is the Role of Contrast-Enhanced MDCT?

Increased detection of small renal masses (SRMs) has encouraged research for non-invasive diagnostic tools capable of adequately differentiating malignant vs. benign SRMs and the type of the tumour. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) has been suggested as an alternative to intervention, therefore, it is important to determine both the capabilities and limitations of MDCT for SRM evaluation. In our study, two abdominal radiologists retrospectively blindly assessed MDCT scan images of 98 patients with incidentally detected lipid-poor SRMs that did not present as definitely aggressive lesions on CT. Radiological conclusions were compared to histopathological findings of materials obtained during surgery that were assumed as the gold standard. The probability (odds ratio (OR)) in regression analyses, sensitivity (SE), and specificity (SP) of predetermined SRM characteristics were calculated. Correct differentiation between malignant vs. benign SRMs was detected in 70.4% of cases, with more accurate identification of malignant (73%) in comparison to benign (65.7%) lesions. The radiological conclusions of SRM type matched histopathological findings in 56.1%. Central scarring (OR 10.6, p = 0.001), diameter of lesion (OR 2.4, p = 0.003), and homogeneous accumulation of contrast medium (OR 3.4, p = 0.03) significantly influenced the accuracy of malignant diagnosis. SE and SP of these parameters varied from 20.6% to 91.3% and 22.9% to 74.3%, respectively. In conclusion, MDCT is able to correctly differentiate malignant versus uncharacteristic benign SRMs in more than 2/3 of cases. However, frequency of the correct histopathological SRM type MDCT identification remains low.

Variations in CT Utilization, Protocols, and Radiation Doses in COVID-19 Pneumonia: Results from 28 Countries in the IAEA Study.

Background There is lack of guidance on specific CT protocols for imaging patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Purpose To assess international variations in CT utilization, protocols, and radiation doses in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods In this retrospective data collection study, the International Atomic Energy Agency coordinated a survey between May and July 2020 regarding CT utilization, protocols, and radiation doses from 62 health care sites in 34 countries across five continents for CT examinations performed in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The questionnaire obtained information on local prevalence, method of diagnosis, most frequent imaging, indications for CT, and specific policies on use of CT in COVID-19 pneumonia. Collected data included general information (patient age, weight, clinical indication), CT equipment (CT make and model, year of installation, number of detector rows), scan protocols (body region, scan phases, tube current and potential), and radiation dose descriptors (CT dose index and dose length product). Descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations were performed. Results Data from 782 patients (median age, 59 years [interquartile range, 15 years]) from 54 health care sites in 28 countries were evaluated. Less than one-half of the health care sites used CT for initial diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia and three-fourths used CT for assessing disease severity. CT dose index varied based on CT vendors (7-11 mGy; P < .001), number of detector rows (8-9 mGy; P < .001), year of CT installation (7-10 mGy; P = .006), and reconstruction techniques (7-10 mGy; P = .03). Multiphase chest CT examinations performed at 20% of sites (11 of 54) were associated with higher dose length product compared with single-phase chest CT examinations performed in 80% of sites (43 of 54) (P = .008). Conclusion CT use, scan protocols, and radiation doses in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia showed wide variation across health care sites within the same and between different countries. Many patients were imaged multiple times and/or with multiphase CT scan protocols. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Lee in this issue.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance enterocolonography in assessing Crohn disease activity.

INTRODUCTION: Diffusion­weighted magnetic resonance imaging has the potential to identify inflamed bowel segments in patients with Crohn disease (CD). OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine diffusion­weighted imaging (DWI) value to predict active CD and compare apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) with endoscopic and conventional indices of magnetic resonance imaging of CD activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Overall, 229 patients with suspected and diagnosed CD prospectively underwent magnetic resonance enterocolonography (MR­EC) with DWI sequence and ileocolonoscopy. The magnetic resonance activity index (MaRIA), Clermont index, and CD endoscopic index of severity (CDEIS) were calculated. RESULTS: The clinical diagnosis of CD was confirmed in 100 out of 229 patients. A DWI score of 2 or higher had 96.9% sensitivity and 82.3% specificity for diagnosing CD. A threshold ADC value of 1.3 × 10-3 mm2/s could distinguish between normal and inflamed bowel segments with a sensitivity of 73.8% and a specificity of 98%. For the MaRIA, a threshold ADC value of 1.32 × 10-3 mm2/s with a sensitivity of 97.9% and a specificity of 97.8% was established. There were significant differences in the DWI scores and ADC values comparing patients with inactive, mild, and moderate-to-severe disease (P <0.01). ADCs inversely correlated with the MaRIAglobal (r = -0.69; P = 0.001), Clermontglobal (r = -0.722; P = 0.001), and CDEIS (r = -0.69; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DWI is a valuable tool that is capable of identifying inflamed bowel segments as accurately as the conventional MaRIA score and of discriminating between mild and moderate-to-severe CD.

Impact of the 2014 International Society of Urological Pathology Grading System on Concept of High-Risk Prostate Cancer: Comparison of Long-Term Oncological Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the new International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading system, biochemical recurrence (BCR), clinical progression (CP) and cancer related death (CRD) after open radical prostatectomy (RP) and determine whether the 2014 ISUP grading system influences the concept of high-risk prostate cancer (HRPCa). Patients and Methods: A total of 1,754 men who underwent RP from 2005 to 2017 were identified from a database at a single tertiary institution. Histopathology reports were reassessed according to the 2014 ISUP grading system. All preoperative, pathological, and clinical follow-up data were obtained. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analyses were performed. Results: At a median (quartiles) follow-up of 83 (48-123) months, 446 men (25.4%) had BCR, 77 (4.4%) had CP and 39 (2.2%) died from cancer. Grade groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were detected in 404 (23%), 931 (53.1%), 200 (11.4%), 93 (5.3%), and 126 (7.2%), respectively. 10-year biochemical progression free survival difference between Grade group 3 and 4 was minor but significant (log-rank p = 0.045). There was no difference between Grade groups 3 and 4 comparing 10-year clinical progression free and 10-year cancer specific survival: p = 0.82 and p = 0.39, respectively. Group 5 had the worst survival rates in comparison with other groups (from p < 0.005 to p < 0.0001) in all survival analyses. Pathological stage (hazard ratio (HR) 2.6, p < 0.001), positive surgical margins (HR 2.2, p < 0.0001) and Grade group (HR 10.4, p < 0.0001) were independent predictors for BCR. Stage and Grade group were detected as independent predictors for CP-HR 6.0, p < 0.0001 and HR 35.6, p < 0.0001, respectively. Only Grade group 5 (HR 12.9, p = 0.001) and pT3b (HR 5.9, p = 0.001) independently predicted CRD. Conclusions: The new ISUP 2014 grading system is the most significant independent predictor for BCR, CP, and CRD. Grade group 3 and 4 had similar long-term disease progression survival rates and could potentially be stratified in the same risk group. High-risk cancer associated only with group 5.

Lemann Index for Assessment of Crohn's Disease: Correlation with the Quality of Life, Endoscopic Disease Activity, Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity and C- Reactive Protein.

AIM: Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by continuing inflammation and progressive gut damage. Despite many scoring indices of CD, there is a lack of more global assessment tools for the evaluation of the total disease impact on the gut. METHODS: Fift y-three adult patients with proven CD underwent magnetic resonance enterocolonography (MR-EC), colonoscopy, and clinical activity assessment, including CRP. Quality of life was assessed using IBDQ. MR-EC was used to evaluate the Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA- global (G)) and the Lemann Index (LI). The CD Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) was used to score the endoscopic activity of the disease. RESULTS: A signifi cant correlation between the LI and IBDQ was found (r=-0.812, P<0.01). LI and MaRIA-G correlated moderately, while the LI did not correlate significantly with CRP and CDEIS. For the detection of endoscopically active CD, MaRIA-G was more sensitive and specific (83.3%; 73.3%) compared to the LI (66.7%; 60.0%). There was a moderate correlation between CRP and MaRIA-G, as well as CRP and CDEIS (r=0.496; r=0.527,<0.01). CONCLUSION: A signifi cant negative correlation between the LI and quality of life, measured by IBDQ, was found in our study, suggesting that the LI could resemble more global features of the disease, besides inflammatory activity of the gut.

CT- and MRI-Based Assessment of Body Composition and Pancreatic Fibrosis Reveals High Incidence of Clinically Significant Metabolic Changes That Affect the Quality of Life and Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer.

Background and Objectives: Both chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) may lead to cachexia, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis due to different mechanisms. Neither patient gender, age, nor body weight are good predictors of these metabolic changes having a significant negative impact on the quality of life (QOL) and treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate radiological changes in body composition and to compare them with manifestations of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency, body mass, and QOL among patients with CP and PDAC. Materials and Methods: Prospectively collected data of 100 patients with diagnosed CP or PDAC were used for analysis. All patients underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to assess QOL. Diabetes and changes in fecal elastase-1 were also assessed. Results: There was no significant difference in skeletal muscle mass (SMM) among patients with CP and PDAC (p = 0.85). Significantly more underweight patients had low SMM (p = 0.002). Patients with CP had more pronounced pancreatic fibrosis (PF) (p < 0.001). Data showed a significant relationship between a high degree of PF and occurrence of diabetes (p = 0.006) and low fecal elastase-1 levels (p = 0.013). A statistically significant lower QOL was determined in patients with PF ≥ 50% and in the CP group. Conclusions: Sarcopenia and osteoporosis/osteopenia are highly prevalent among patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, and CT- and MRI-based assessment of body composition and pancreatic fibrosis could be a potentially useful tool for routine detection of these significant metabolic changes.

Comparison of segmented thermal images versus a CT scanning for detection of maxillofacial pathology.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate thermal images (TIs) by using an algorithm for optimized region of interest (ROI) and image segmentation, in order to find zones of the facial skin surface with asymmetrical temperature, and to test consistency with CT findings, to detect maxillofacial pathologies (i.e. tumours). METHODS: The following steps for the TI evaluation were applied: data acquisition/pre-processing of frontal face and mouth projection, detection of face and mouth external contour, finding face and mouth symmetry axis, calculation of differences in average and maximal temperatures between left and right face and mouth sides, image segmentation of the selected ROI, and evaluation of diagnostic accuracy by comparing the TI results with CT findings. RESULTS: In healthy subjects, the average temperature difference between left/right sides of facial and mouth ROI was negligible (0.02 ± 0.21 °C and 0.05 ± 0.19 °C, respectively; n = 23). In the presence of tumour, the average temperature difference was higher in corresponding TIs (0.47 ± 0.1 °C and 0.66 ± 0.1 °C, for facial and mouth ROI, respectively; n = 19, p < 0.05). For large tumours, thermal asymmetry in the corresponding TI is easily detected, and image segmentation is optional for finding the affected zone. For small or deeply localized tumours, segmentation of the mouth cavity of the ROI was required for the detection of hot and cold spots. CONCLUSIONS: Asymmetrical temperature zones and their location as detected from thermal images coincide well with the presence and localization of maxillofacial pathologies (i.e. tumours) established by CT. However, accurate information could often be obtained only after application of image segmentation algorithm to the selected ROI.

An extremely rare case of glioblastoma multiforme of the spinal cord.

Being the most common glial cell tumor of the adult brain, primary glioblastoma multiforme is an extremely rare but excessively devastating condition of the spinal cord. It presents with indistinctive magnetic resonance imaging findings, so the diagnosis is very complicated to make. A low-grade glioma may undergo a malignant transformation into glioblastoma multiforme in a very short period, critically impairing treatment possibilities and prognosis, so a correct and timely diagnosis is crucial. We report a case of intramedullary glioblastoma multiforme in a young man and describe the diagnostic difficulties and devastating progression of the entity.

Incidentally diagnosed malignant coronary artery anomaly: a clinical case.

The incidence of congenital coronary artery anomalies is estimated to range between 1% and 2% in the general population. The separate types of coronary artery anomalies are even rarer - the left main coronary artery arising from the right coronary sinus and passing between the thoracic aorta and the pulmonary artery is one of them. In this case, the segment of the artery that courses between the aorta and the pulmonary artery is prone to compression, especially during heavy exercise. Outcomes may be fatal due to myocardial hypoperfusion, which is associated with sudden cardiac death especially among children, young adults, and athletes. Nowadays, innate coronary artery anomalies may be incidentally diagnosed in older age using new investigation methods such as computed tomography angiography.

Ten-year follow-up of a prospective, randomized clinical study of mosaic osteochondral autologous transplantation versus microfracture for the treatment of osteochondral defects in the knee joint of athletes.

BACKGROUND: Various techniques have proven to be effective for treating articular cartilage defect (ACD) and osteochondral defect (OCD) of the knee joint, but knowledge regarding which method is best still remains uncertain. PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the outcomes of mosaic-type osteochondral autologous transplantation (OAT) and microfracture (MF) procedures for the treatment of articular cartilage defects of the knee joint in young active athletes. This article represents an update of the clinical results at 10 years. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2002, a total of 60 athletes with a mean age of 24.3 years (range, 15-40 years) and with a symptomatic ACD or OCD in the knee were randomized to undergo either OAT or MF. Patients were then evaluated postoperatively using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score, Tegner activity score, radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging. The mean follow-up time was 10.4 years (range, 9-11 years). RESULTS: Three to 10 years after the OAT and MF procedures, patients had lower ICRS and Tegner scores (P < .05), but both groups still had significant clinical improvement over presurgery scores according to ICRS scores at 10-year follow-up. Statistically significantly better results were detected in patients in the OAT group compared with those in the MF group at 10 years (P < .005). At 10-year follow-up, there were 15 failures (26%), including 4 failures (14%) of the OAT and 11 failures (38%) of MF treatment (P < .05). Seven patients (25%) from the OAT group and 14 patients (48%) from the MF group had radiographic evidence of Kellgren-Lawrence grade I osteoarthritis at 10 years, but these differences were not significant (P = .083) or related to the clinical results. The ICRS and Tegner scores of younger athletes (<25 years at the time of primary surgery) remained significantly higher after 10 years compared with older patients (P < .05); 15 of 20 patients (75%) in the OAT group and 8 of 22 patients (37%) in the MF group maintained the same physical activity level. CONCLUSION: The OAT technique for ACD or OCD repair in the athletic population allows for a higher rate of return to and maintenance of sports at the preinjury level compared with MF.

Comparative diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of hepatic hemangiomas.

AIM: To compare the value of intravenous contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (US), intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangiomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled 48 patients, aged between 20 and 79 years (35 [72.9%] women, 13 [27.1%] men; mean age, 53.5+/-12.855 years), who were examined and treated in the Departments of Gastroenterology, Surgery, and Oncology, Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine, in the year 2007. All patients underwent intravenous contrast-enhanced US, intravenous contrast-enhanced CT, and MRI and were diagnosed with hepatic hemangioma according to the findings of these examinations. RESULTS: The size of hemangiomas was < or =2.0 cm in 20 cases (41.7%) and >2.0 cm in 28 (58.3%). No association between hepatic hemangioma and patient's age was found (chi(2)=0.547, df=2, P=0.761). Nearly one-third of hemangiomas were located in the segment IV of the left hepatic lobe. There were a few complicated hemangiomas in the study sample: 2 with calcification and 1 with necrosis. The sensitivity of CT in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangioma was 76.92%; specificity, 33.3%; positive prognostic value, 83.3%; and negative prognostic value, 25.0%. The sensitivity of intravenous contrast-enhanced US in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangioma was 77.8%; specificity, 100%; positive prognostic value, 100%; and negative prognostic value, 23.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous contrast-enhanced US is more specific than intravenous contrast-enhanced CT in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangioma (P=0.0005) and has a higher positive prognostic value (P=0.001).

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava.

Leiomyosarcoma is a rare tumor of mesenchymal origin usually affecting the inferior vena cava. Early diagnosis is essential before surgical resection, which is the only therapeutic modality that prolongs patients' survival. Ultrasonography, computer tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are the main imaging modalities in this case. Combined with guided biopsies, they form the mainstay of reliable diagnosis. We report a case with retroperitoneal tumor arising from the middle segment of the inferior vena cava. Radiological examination revealed retroperitoneal tumor and helped to choose surgical treatment. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava.

[Comparative diagnostic value of computed tomography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in diagnosis of focal liver lesions]. / Kontrastiniu ultragarsinio ir kompiuterines tomografijos tyrimu palyginamoji verte diagnozuojant zidininius kepenu pokycius.

OBJECTIVE. The aim of the study was to evaluate focal liver lesions by computed tomography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and to compare their diagnostic values. MATERIALS AND METHODS. There were 67 patients, examined and treated in the Departments of Gastroenterology, Surgery, and Oncology, Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine, during 2007 (study group). All the patients underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and bolus computed tomography. Control group included 73 patients with focal hepatic lesions who were examined and treated in the Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine during 2006. Focal hepatic lesions were detected and characterized by conventional ultrasonography and bolus computed tomography. The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy or during surgery in both groups, and hemangiomas were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Patients' age varied from 20 to 80 years (there were 46 [68.7%] women and 21 [31.3%] men with a mean age of 55.85+/-13.417 years). The age of patients in the study group varied from 18 to 91 years (mean age, 60.81+/-16.059 years; out of 73 patients, 46 [63%] were women and 27 [37%] men). RESULTS. The following was determined in the study group: hemangioma (n=18, 26.9%), focal nodular hyperplasia (n=4, 6%), adenoma (n=2, 3%), echinococcosis (n=2, 3%), hepatocellular carcinoma (n=11, 16.4%), cholangiocellular carcinoma (n=1, 1.5%), solitary metastasis (n=13, 19.4%), hepatic cyst (n=3, 4.5%), etc. The sensitivity and specificity of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography as compared with computed tomography in detecting and characterizing focal liver lesions was 44.2% and 46.7%, respectively; positive prognostic value was 74.2% and negative prognostic value was 19.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of conventional ultrasonography as compared with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in detecting and characterizing focal liver lesions was 34.5% and 100%, respectively; positive prognostic value was 100% and negative prognostic value was 25%. CONCLUSIONS. Ultrasound contrast agents (SonoVue, Bracco(R), Milan, Italy) definitely improve detection and characterization of focal liver lesions. Ultrasonography correlates with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, particularly during arterial phase. The sensitivity of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography as compared with computed tomography in detecting and characterizing focal liver lesions was 74.2% and positive prognostic value was 44.2%; sensitivity of conventional ultrasonography as compared with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in detecting and characterizing focal liver lesions was 34.5% and positive prognostic value was 100%.

[Evaluation of pituitary imaging in patients with prop-1 gene mutation]. / Radiologinis hipofizes ivertinimas esant PROP-1 geno mutacijai.

The most common genetically determined cause of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency is PROP-1 gene mutation. PROP-1 is a transcription factor involved in the development of pituitary gland and affects hormonal synthesis of anterior pituitary. The aim of our study was to evaluate radiological aspects of the pituitary region in patients with PROP-1 gene mutation. Pituitary imaging studies were performed in 12 patients with a confirmed PROP-1 gene mutation. Pituitary hyperplasia was found in 5 (42%) and pituitary hypoplasia in 4 (33%) patients. Changes in pituitary size were not associated with the type of PROP-1 gene mutation.