Trans-prosthetic recanalization of a collapsed iliac limb using the GoBack catheter: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Recanalization of graft limb occlusion can prove challenging and the use of the GoBack crossing and reentry device may be a suitable option, especially when there is no other way to restore flow with an usual endovascular approach. The GoBack catheter is a novel device designed to enhance pushability, and to enable direction-change inside hard plaques and crossing of tough lesions, even when they involve graft fabric. CASE PRESENTATION: It's reported a case of a 76-year-old male who presented with claudication, previous placement of an aorto-bi iliac graft by open surgery for a ruptured abdominal aneurysm 10 years ago that, over time, developed severe kinking on the left limb and a fabric occlusion on the right limb. After several unsuccessful attempts to cross the occlusion of the right common iliac artery, the GoBack™ was deployed to create a lumen through graft's folds. After angioplasty and stenting a satisfactory result was achieved, restoring flowCT-scan at 1 month and duplex ultrasound (DUS) at 3 months confirmed the patency of ilio-femoral axis. CONCLUSIONS: The advent of this new CTO crossing device has the potential to facilitate recanalization of some of the most challenging occlusions. Facilitating more consistent distal entry and allowing for a decrease in crossing time. Therefore, the GoBack catheter should be considered as a potential complementary tool to treat vascular occlusions via endovascular approaches, especially when classical endovascular techniques fail.

COVID-19 pneumonia manifestations at the admission on chest ultrasound, radiographs, and CT: single-center study and comprehensive radiologic literature review.

PURPOSE: To investigate the imaging features of emerging COVID-19 pneumonia on chest ultrasound (US), radiographs (CXR) and computed tomography (CT) examinations performed at admission and to provide a comprehensive radiological literature review on ongoing radiological data from recent publications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, we enrolled consecutive patients from February 15, 2020, to March 15, 2020, with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized in Valduce Hospital (Como, Italy). Multi-modality imaging findings were evaluated and compared. Literature research was conducted through a methodical search on Pubmed and Embase databases. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (36 men, 22 women; age range, 18-98 years) were included in the study. Among these, chest US, CXR, and CT were performed respectively in twenty-two, thirty-two and forty-two patients. Lung US findings were consistent with diffuse B lines (100%) and subpleural consolidations (27.3%). CXR showed prevalent manifestations of consolidations (46.9%) and hazy increased opacities (37.5%). Typical CT features included bilateral and multilobar ground-glass opacities (GGO) with (59.5%) and without (35.7%) consolidations having a predominantly peripheral distribution (64.3%). Other imaging features included crazy paving pattern (57.1%), fibrous stripes (50%), subpleural lines (35.7%), architectural distortion (28.6%), air bronchogram sign (26.2%), vascular thickening (23.8%) and nodules (2.4%). Also, enlarged lymph nodes (14.3 %) and pleural effusion (7.1%) were observed. The literature review identified twenty-six original studies supporting our imaging chest findings. CONCLUSION: The spectrum of chest imaging manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia upon admission includes B-lines and consolidations on US, consolidations and hazy increased opacities on CXR, and multifocal GGO with consolidations on CT.

Multimodality Imaging of Left Ventricular Clefts in an Asymptomatic Teenager.

Left ventricular clefts (LVCs) are defined as deep, tight blood-filled invaginations within the ventricular myocardium localized predominantly in the basal posterior septum and LV-free wall. Usually, they are asymptomatic and incidentally discovered during diagnostic imaging procedures. LVC has been reported both in healthy volunteers and in patients affected with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Clinicians should be able to recognize LVC and to distinguish this entity from other myocardial wall defects with different pathological profile and clinical significance. We describe a case of multimodality imaging of multiple septal myocardial clefts in an asymptomatic teenager.

Usefulness of Electrocardiographic Patterns at Presentation to Predict Long-term Risk of Cardiac Death in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns in a large multicenter cohort of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; 1,004 consecutive patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a recorded standard ECG (64% men, mean age 50 ± 16 years) were evaluated at 4 Italian centers. The study end points were sudden cardiac death (SCD) or surrogates, including appropriate implanted cardiac defibrillator discharge and resuscitated cardiac arrest and major cardiovascular events (including SCD or surrogates and death due to heart failure, cardioembolic stroke, or heart transplantation). Prevalence of baseline electrocardiographic characteristics was: normal ECG 4%, ST-segment depression 56%, pseudonecrosis waves 33%, "pseudo-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)" pattern 17%, QRS duration ≥120 ms 17%, giant inverted T waves 6%, and low QRS voltages 3%. During a mean follow-up of 7.4 ± 6.8 years, 77 patients experienced SCD or surrogates and 154 patients experienced major cardiovascular events. Independent predictors of SCD or surrogates were unexplained syncope (hazard ratio [HR] 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4 to 4.5, p = 0.003), left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (HR 3.5, 95% CI 1.9 to 6.7, p = 0.0001), nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.6, p = 0.027), pseudo-STEMI pattern (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.8, p = 0.001), QRS duration ≥120 ms (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.0, p = 0.033), and low QRS voltages (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.01 to 5.1, p = 0.048). Independent predictors of major cardiovascular events were age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03, p = 0.0001), LV ejection fraction <50% (HR 3.73, 95% CI 2.39 to 5.83, p = 0.0001), pseudo-STEMI pattern (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.45, p = 0.010), QRS duration ≥120 ms (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.47, p = 0.007), and prolonged QTc interval (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.34, p = 0.002). In conclusion, a detailed qualitative and quantitative electrocardiographic analyses provide independent predictors of prognosis that could be integrated with the available score systems to improve the power of the current model.

Italian Registry of Cardiac Computed Tomography.

PURPOSE: Cardiac CT (CCT) is an imaging modality that is becoming a standard in clinical cardiology. We evaluated indications, safety, and impact on patient management of routine CCT in a multicenter national registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a period of 6 months, 47 centers in Italy enrolled 3,455 patients. RESULTS: CCT was performed mainly with 64-slice CT scanners (73.02 %). Contrast agents were administrated in 3,185 patients (92.5 %). Mean DLP changes with type of scanner and was lower in >64 row detector scanner. The most frequent indication for CCT was suspected CAD (44.8 %), followed by calcium scoring (9.6 %), post-angioplasty/stenting (8.3 %), post-CABGs (7.5 %), study of cardiac anatomy (4.22 %) and assessment in patients with known CAD (4.1 %) and acute chest pain (1.99 %). Most of the CCTs were performed in outpatient settings (2,549; 74 %) and a minority in inpatient settings (719, 20.8 %). Adverse clinical events (mild-moderate) occurred in 26 examinations (0.75 %). None of them was severe. In 45.3 % of the cases CCT findings impacted patient management. CONCLUSION: CCT is performed with different workloads in participating centers. It is a safe procedure and its results have a strong impact on patient management.

Accuracy of capsule colonoscopy and computed tomographic colonography in individuals with positive results from the fecal occult blood test.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) is a reliable option for screening subjects who are unable or unwilling to undergo optical colonoscopy (OC). A colon capsule (PillCam Colon2 [CC2]; GivenImaging Ltd., Yokneam, Israel) has shown promising results in detecting polyps larger than 6 mm. We compared the accuracy of CC2 and CTC in identifying individuals with at least 1 polyp greater than 6 mm and subjects' attitude toward the procedures. METHODS: Fifty individuals (mean age, 59.2 ± 5.8 y; 58% male) with positive results from the immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT-positive) underwent CC2, CTC, and OC. The unblinded colonoscopy, integrating OC, CTC, and CC2 results, was used as the reference standard. In a per-patient analysis, the accuracy of CC2 and CTC were assessed for individuals with at least 1 polyp 6 mm or larger. Individuals were asked to choose which procedure they would be willing to repeat between CTC and CC2. RESULTS: The combination of OC, CTC, and CC2 identified 16 cases with at least 1 polyp 6 mm or larger (reference standard). CTC identified the polyps with 88.2% sensitivity, 84.8% specificity, a 3.0 positive likelihood ratio, and a 0.07 negative likelihood ratio. CC2 identified the polyps with 88.2% sensitivity, 87.8% specificity, a 3.75 positive likelihood ratio, and a 0.06 negative likelihood ratio. Thirty-nine subjects (78%) said they preferred CC2 to CTC. CONCLUSIONS: CC2 and CTC detect polyps 6 mm and larger with high levels of accuracy; these techniques are effective in selecting iFOBT-positive individuals who do not need to be referred for colonoscopy. CC2 seems to be better tolerated than CTC, and could be a reliable alternative to CTC for iFOBT-positive individuals who are unable or unwilling to undergo OC. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01744509.

Italian registry of cardiac magnetic resonance.

OBJECTIVES: Forty sites were involved in this multicenter and multivendor registry, which sought to evaluate indications, spectrum of protocols, impact on clinical decision making and safety profile of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were prospectively collected on a 6-month period and included 3376 patients (47.2 ± 19 years; range 1-92 years). Recruited centers were asked to complete a preliminary general report followed by a single form/patient. Referral physicians were not required to exhibit any specific certificate of competency in CMR imaging. RESULTS: Exams were performed with 1.5T scanners in 96% of cases followed by 3T (3%) and 1T (1%) magnets and contrast was administered in 84% of cases. The majority of cases were performed for the workup of inflammatory heart disease/cardiomyopathies representing overall 55.7% of exams followed by the assessment of myocardial viability and acute infarction (respectively 6.9% and 5.9% of patients). In 49% of cases the final diagnosis provided was considered relevant and with impact on patient's clinical/therapeutic management. Safety evaluation revealed 30 (0.88%) clinical events, most of which due to patient's preexisting conditions. Radiological reporting was recorded in 73% of exams. CONCLUSIONS: CMR is performed in a large number of centers in Italy with relevant impact on clinical decision making and high safety profile.

Efficacy of computer-aided detection as a second reader for 6-9-mm lesions at CT colonography: multicenter prospective trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of computer-aided detection (CAD) as a second reader on the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomographic (CT) colonography in detecting 6-9-mm colorectal cancer (CRC) lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals with clinical indications for colonoscopy--either for symptoms or as part of participating in a surveillance program or CRC screening--were prospectively enrolled at one of 10 academic centers between July 2007 and May 2009. Institutional review board approval was obtained at each clinical site, and all participants provided written informed consent. All participants underwent CT colonography and colonoscopy on the same day. Experienced readers interpreted the CT colonography images unassisted and then reviewed all colorectal lesion-like structures pinpointed by the CAD algorithm. Segmental unblinding of CT colonoscopy findings at colonoscopy was utilized. The sensitivity and specificity of unassisted and CAD-assisted reading in identifying individuals with 6-9-mm lesions were calculated and compared by means of pairwise analysis. RESULTS: A total of 618 participants (mean age, 57.9 years; 54.5% male) were included in the final analysis. Of these participants, 464 (75.1%) had no lesions 6 mm or larger, and 52 (8.4%) had 6-9-mm lesions. The sensitivity of CT colonography with unassisted reading and that with CAD-assisted reading in identifying individuals with 6-9-mm lesions was 65.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50.9%, 78.0%) and 76.9% (95% CI: 63.2%, 87.5%; P = .016), respectively. No significant change in specificity was observed: The specificity of CT colonography with unassisted and that with CAD-assisted reading was 91.8% (95% CI: 88.9%, 94.1%) and 90.9% (95% CI: 88.0%, 93.4%; P = .063), respectively. Evaluation of CAD candidates required an additional 1.6 minutes (25th-75th percentile: 1.0 minute to 3.4 minutes). CONCLUSION: The addition of CAD to reading performed by experienced readers resulted in a significant benefit in the detection of 6-9-mm polyps at CT colonography in this cohort. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.12120376/-/DC1.

Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomographic colonography for the detection of advanced neoplasia in individuals at increased risk of colorectal cancer.

CONTEXT: Computed tomographic (CT) colonography has been recognized as an alternative for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in average-risk individuals, but less information is available on its performance in individuals at increased risk of CRC. OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of CT colonography in detecting advanced colorectal neoplasia in asymptomatic individuals at increased risk of CRC using unblinded colonoscopy as the reference standard. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Individuals at increased risk of CRC due to either family history of advanced neoplasia in first-degree relatives, personal history of colorectal adenomas, or positive results from fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) were recruited in 11 Italian centers and 1 Belgian center between December 2004 and May 2007. Each participant underwent CT colonography followed by colonoscopy on the same day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity and specificity of CT colonography in detecting individuals with advanced neoplasia (ie, advanced adenoma or CRC) 6 mm or larger. RESULTS: Of 1103 participants, 937 were included in the final analysis: 373 cases in the family-history group, 343 in the group with personal history of adenomas, and 221 in the FOBT-positive group. Overall, CT colonography identified 151 of 177 participants with advanced neoplasia 6 mm or larger (sensitivity, 85.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 79.0%-90.0%) and correctly classified results as negative for 667 of 760 participants without such lesions (specificity, 87.8%; 95% CI, 85.2%-90.0%). The positive and negative predictive values were 61.9% (95% CI, 55.4%-68.0%) and 96.3% (95% CI, 94.6%-97.5%), respectively; after group stratification, a significantly lower negative predictive value was found for the FOBT-positive group (84.9%; 95% CI, 76.2%-91.3%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In a group of persons at increased risk for CRC, CT colonography compared with colonoscopy resulted in a negative predictive value of 96.3% overall. When limited to FOBT-positive persons, the negative predictive value was 84.9%.

The conundrum of transient cortical blindness following coronary angiography.

We report a case of transient cortical blindness that occurred after coronary angiography and angioplasty performed through the right radial artery. This is a very rare entity, the physiopathology of which remains largely speculative. The most likely mechanism appears to be the local disruption of the blood-brain barrier by the contrast agent, possibly favoured by predisposing factors, which may cause a direct neurotoxic effect. All contrast agents can be associated with this complication, which does not seem to be volume dependent. The outcome is generally favourable, with spontaneous return of sight within 24-48 h and no requirement for specific therapy. Recurrence has never been reported.

[Current state of the use of sonographic contrast agents with low acoustic pressure techniques in the study of focal liver lesions].

Ultrasonography is the most commonly used screening modality for focal liver lesions in Europe. Over the past few years, to overcome the inherent limitations of B-mode imaging and colour-Doppler ultrasound in identifying and characterising focal liver lesions, intravenous agents capable of enhancing the ultrasound signal emitted by vascular and parenchymal structures have been developed. From December 1999 to December 2001, about 400 patients with a known tumour, HCV-related chronic cirrhotic liver disease, or with an indeterminate focal liver lesion discovered incidentally were evaluated by ultrasound of the liver parenchyma both in baseline conditions and after administration of contrast material. The ultrasound contrast agents used were: SonoVue (Bracco, Milan-Italy) and Optison (Mallinckrodt, London - UK). Our experience is based on low mechanical-index contrast-enhanced imaging, which acts conservatively, performed with different commercially available algorithms, in grey-scale mode alone (B-mode). We report the morphological patterns displayed by the main benign and malignant liver lesions after the administration of second-generation ultrasound contrast material, and review the main imaging patterns able to provide effective and practical guidance in formulating a diagnosis of benignity or malignancy. Our clinical experience confirmed the literature findings that the introduction of low mechanical index methods in grey-scale imaging has allowed qualitatively better results for detecting and characterising focal liver lesions than those obtained with baseline and colour-Doppler imaging. The ease of use, substantial repeatability and predictability of the enhancement effects obtainable with low mechanical index methods are the main reasons for the success of this approach. Broadening the scope of studies to obtain controlled data and comparisons with the other imaging modalities is crucial for the definitive validation of the method.

Retençäo de mateiral cristaliniano após cirurgia de catarata / Retained lens fragments after cataract surgery

Objetivos: Avaliar as complicaçöes oftalmológicas secundárias à retençäo de material cristaliniano após cirurgia da catarata por técnica de facoemulsificaçäo ou facectomia extracapsular. Pacientes e métodos: Foram estudados quinze olhos de quinze pacientes que apresentaram retençäo de material cristaliniano após cirurgia de catarata. Os pacientes foram estudados em relaçäo ao tipo de cirurgia, ao intervalo entre a cirurgia e o exame e quanto a complicaçöes oftalmológicas encontradas. Resultados: O exame oftalmológico foi realizado entre três dias e quatro meses após a cirurgia da catarata. Todos os quinze olhos estudas (100 por cento) apresentaram baixa de acuidade visual acentuada (£ 20/200). Treze olhos (86,7 por cento) apresentaram reaçäo inflamatória significativa. Sete olhos (46,7 por cento) apresentaram pressäo intra-ocular maior do que 25mmHg, sete olhos (46,7 por cento) apresentaram edema ou opacificaçäo de córnea e um olho (6,7 por cento) apresentou descolamento de retina. Conclusäo: A luxaçäo do núcleo para a cavidade vítrea ou a retençäo de material cristaliniano säo mal tolerados pelo olho e podem causar complicaçöes oculares graves. O controle clínico é geralmente inefetivo, havendo, portanto, indicaçäo de remoçäo cirúrgica do material cristaliniano como forma de tratar, ou mesmo de previnir essas complicaçöes...

Prevençäo e controle de intoxicaçöes químicas em trabalhadores / Prevention and control of chemical intoxication in workers

Os autores mostram como e por quais meios se deve promover a proteçäo dos trabalhadores, embasados numa revisäo bibliográfica. Säo demonstrados aspectos positivos e negativos de cada modalidade de proteçäo. A monitorizaçäo biológica como meio de verificaçäo e manutençäo da saúde também referida