A literature review of local and systemic considerations for endodontic treatments in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this literature review was to summarise the clinical important findings on the endodontic treatment outcome in older patients (≥60 years old) with pulpal/periapical disease considering local and systemic factors from a body of knowledge that is heterogeneous in methods or disciplines. BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing number of older patients in the endodontic practice, and the current trend for tooth preservation, the need for clinicians to have a better understanding of age-related implications that may influence the required endodontic treatment in older adults to retain their natural dentition is indispensable. METHODS: PubMed/Medline and Embase was searched by a medical librarian using specific terms based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The reference list was hand-seached for additional relevant publications between 2005-2020. A combination of these terms was performed uing Boolean operators and MeSH terms. RESULTS: Of the 1577 publications identified manually and electronically, 25 were included to be fully reviewed by the examiners. The data was derived from three systematic reviews, one systematic and meta-analysis, three case series, four prospective and 14 retrospective cohorts. Overall, there was heterogeneity in reporting as well as limitations in most studies. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of endodontic treatment (ET) either nonsurgical or surgical or combination of these is not affected by older age. ET can be the treatment of choice in older patients wiht pulpal/periapical disease. There is no evidence that older age per se affects the outcome of any type of endodontic treatment.

Pain Relief with Combination Acetaminophen/Codeine or Ibuprofen following Third-Molar Extraction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled studies that, following third-molar extraction, utilized either a combination of acetaminophen (600 mg) with codeine (60 mg) or ibuprofen (400 mg) for pain management. DESIGN: We searched PubMed, and the trial registry ClinicalTrials.gov databases with the keywords "molar or molars," "tooth or teeth," "extraction," and "pain." Selected studies were: (1) randomized, blinded, placebo controlled, (2) utilized either a single-dose combination acetaminophen (600 mg) with codeine (60 mg) (A/C) or ibuprofen, and (3) recorded standardized pain relief (PR) at 6 hours, or summed total pain relief over 6 hours (TOTPAR6). Of the 2,949 articles that were identified, 79 were retrieved for full-text analysis, and 20 of these studies met our inclusion criteria. RESULTS: For A/C, the weighted, standardized mean difference (SMD) for TOTPAR6 was 0.796 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.597-0.995), P < .001, and for PR at 6 hours, the SMD was 0.0186 (0.007 to 0.378; P = .059), whereas for ibuprofen the SMD for TOTPAR6 was 3.009 (1.283 to 4.735; P = .001), and for PR at 6 hours, the SMD was 0.854 (95% CI, 0.712-0.996; P < .001). A SMD of 0.8 or larger is indicative of a large effect. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that single dose of ibuprofen (400 mg) is an effective pain reducer for post third molar extraction pain.

The periodontal senior case clinical challenge: Students' opinions of a formative virtual assessment during the COVID-19 emergency.

INTRODUCTION: Due to COVID-19, innovative, virtual educational methods are being developed to provide students with learning experiences comparable to established clinical practices. Our objective was to produce the Periodontal Senior Case Clinical Challenge (PSCCC) that would provide fourth-year students an alternative for senior case presentations and would be a formative assessment for which student opinions would be provided and analysed. The PSCCC would utilise an online, case-based, written, clinical assessment and follow-up, structured discussion to challenge students to demonstrate ability to apply didactic periodontal knowledge to patient-based experiences. We hypothesised the PSCCC would provide effective learning and a formative assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Relevant didactic resources were distributed to 48 students for independent review. The PSCCC was delivered in two sections, (1) a case-based assessment via a virtual classroom with written student responses, and (2) oral discussions conducted via virtual meetings that were moderated and assessed by ten periodontists, with the collaboration of nine residents. A voluntary six-statement survey was used to evaluate the students' opinions of the PSCCC. The scores for 75% (36/48) of students who participated were evaluated for statistical and clinical importance. RESULTS: The value of our PSCCC was supported by 91.7% (33/36) of the analyses (p < .0008). DISCUSSION: The PSCCC was a successful alternative pathway to assess students' clinical and didactic integrated knowledge in periodontics. It provided a unified vision of treatment of the selected case, building on all aspects of the students' periodontal education whilst allowing interaction in a simultaneous, three-tiered educational approach, involving dental students, periodontal residents and faculty. CONCLUSION: In support of our hypothesis, for each of the 6 statements, ≥94.44% (34/36) of the scores given by the students were considered exceptionally strong clinical support for our pedagogical strategy that combines educational resources and can be successfully implemented in other programmes.

Quantitative Variable Assessment of Patellar Instability: An MRI-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of three quantitative MRI parameters associated with patellar instability and to determine whether they measure anatomic predisposition to patellar instability individually or in combination with the other parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this retrospective study, 100 patients diagnosed with a patellar dislocation injury and 100 age- and sex-matched control patients were examined using MRI. The distance between the tibial tubercle and posterior cruciate ligament (TT-PCL), distance between the tibial tubercle and trochlear groove (TT-TG), and TG depth (trochlear dysplasia) were measured independently by three fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess intraobserver and interobserver reliability. The parameters in both groups were tested for interdependence on each other and were compared for prevalence and association with patellar instability. RESULTS. All three parameters showed almost perfect intraobserver (TT-PCL ICC, ≥ 0.88; TT-TG ICC, 0.96; trochlear dysplasia ICC, ≥ 0.92) and interobserver (TT-PCL ICC, 0.82; TT-TG ICC, 0.94; trochlear dysplasia ICC, 0.91) reliability and were significantly more common in the patellar instability group. Trochlear dysplasia had the highest association with patellar instability, both as a unique parameter and in pairwise combination with an abnormal TT-TG. Optimal cutoff thresholds for normal TT-TG and TT-PCL were 15.00 mm or less and 21.30 mm or less, respectively. The optimal normal cutoff threshold for evaluating trochlear dysplasia via trochlear depth was 4.95 mm or more. CONCLUSION. Patellar instability is multifactorial. Highly reproducible parameters derived from MRI reveal both unique and overlapping anatomic predispositions, and considering all parameters together may help individualize patient management when selecting orthopedic procedures.

Limited Evidence Suggests That Vitamin D May Help Prevent and Treat Periodontal Disease in Adults.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Serum vitamin D levels and chronic periodontitis in adult, Caucasian population-a systematic review. Peric M, Cavallier E, Toma S, Lasserre JF. J Periodontal Res 2018; 53:645-56. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Information not available/none declared. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Calf Muscles in Subjects With and Without Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been used to characterize calf skeletal muscle architecture. PURPOSE: To assess the diffusional properties of the calf muscles of subjects with and without diabetes, at rest and during isometric plantarflexion exercise. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. SUBJECTS: Twenty-six subjects in two groups: 13 healthy and 13 subjects with type 2 diabetes (DM); each group consisted of seven females and six males. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3T/2D single-shot spin echo planar imaging. ASSESSMENT: Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), diffusion eigenvalues, and fiber tracking indices were obtained from the medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and soleus (SOL) muscles of the calf at rest and during isometric plantarflexion exercise. STATISTICAL TESTS: We used a combination of nonparametric (Wilcoxon) and parametric (t-test) statistical assessments. RESULTS: The medial gastrocnemius muscle had more indices with significant differences between the two groups (six indices with P < 0.05) than did the lateral gastrocnemius (three indices with P < 0.05) and soleus muscles (only one index with P < 0.05). While the healthy group showed elevated MD values from rest to exercise (MG = 5.83%, LG = 13.45%, and SOL = 11.68%), the diabetic MD showed higher increases (MG = 19.74%, LG = 29.31%, and SOL = 20.84%) that were different between groups (MG: P = 0.009, LG: P = 0.037, and SOL: P = 0.049). DATA CONCLUSION: Our results indicate considerable diffusional changes between healthy subjects and subjects with diabetes at rest and during isometric plantarflexion exercise in the calf muscles. The medial gastrocnemius muscle displayed the most diffusion sensitivity to diabetes-related microstructural changes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1285-1295.

Intravenous contrast-free standardized exercise perfusion imaging in diabetic feet with ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Impaired foot perfusion is a primary contributor to foot ulcer formation. There is no existing device nor method that can be used to measure local foot perfusion during standardized foot muscle exercise in an MRI environment. PURPOSE: To develop a new MRI-compatible foot dynamometer and MRI methods to characterize local perfusion in diabetic feet with ulcers. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION/SUBJECTS: Seven participants without diabetes and 10 participants with diabetic foot ulcers. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0T, arterial spin labeling (ASL). ASSESSMENTS: Using a new MRI-compatible foot dynamometer, all participants underwent MRI ASL perfusion assessment at rest and during a standardized toe-flexion exercise. The participants without diabetes were scanned twice to assess the reproducibility of perfusion measurements. The absolute perfusion and perfusion reserve values were compared between two groups and between regions near ulcers (peri-ulcer) and away from ulcers (away-ulcer). STATISTICAL TESTS: Bland-Altman methods for the calculation of coefficient of repeatability (CR) and two-sided and unpaired Student's t-test to compare multiple differences. RESULTS: The perfusion reserves measured had the best reproducibility (CR in medial region: 1.6, lateral region: 0.9). The foot perfusion reserve was significantly lower in the participants with diabetes compared with the participants without diabetes (1.34 ± 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1, 1.58 vs. 1.76 ± 0.31, 95% CI: 1.53, 1.98, P = 0.02). Both peri-ulcer exercise perfusion (8.7 ± 3.9 ml/min/100g) and perfusion reserve (1.07 ± 0.39, 95% CI: 0.78, 1.35) were significantly lower than away-ulcer exercise perfusion (12.7 ± 3.8 ml/min/100g, P = 0.02) and perfusion reserve (1.39 ± 0.37, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.66, P = 0.03), respectively. DATA CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates intravenous contrast-free methods for local perfusion in feet with ulcers by standardized exercise-based MRI. Ischemia regions around foot ulcers can be quantitatively distinguished from normal perfused muscle regions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:474-480.

A Candidate Imaging Marker for Early Detection of Charcot Neuroarthropathy.

Inflammation-mediated foot osteopenia may play a pivotal role in the etiogenesis, pathogenesis, and therapeutic outcomes in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), peripheral neuropathy (PN), and Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN). Our objective was to establish a volumetric quantitative computed tomography-derived foot bone measurement as a candidate prognostic imaging marker to identify individuals with DMPN who were at risk of developing CN. We studied 3 groups: 16 young controls (27 ± 5 years), 20 with DMPN (57 ± 11 years), and 20 with DMPN and CN (55 ± 9 years). Computed tomography image analysis was used to measure metatarsal and tarsal bone mineral density in both feet. The mean of 12 right (7 tarsals and 5 metatarsals) and 12 left foot bone mineral densities, maximum percent difference in bone mineral density between paired bones of the right and the left feet, and the mean difference of the 12 right and the 12 left bone mineral density measurements were used as input variables in different classification analysis methods to determine the best classifier. Classification tree analysis produced no misclassification of the young controls and individuals with DMPN and CN. The tree classifier found 7 of 20 (35%) individuals with DMPN to be classified as CN (1 participant developed CN during follow-up) and 13 (65%) to be classified as healthy. These results indicate that a decision tree employing 3 measurements derived from volumetric quantitative computed tomography foot bone mineral density defines a candidate prognostic imaging marker to identify individuals with diabetes and PN who are at risk of developing CN.

Oximetric angiosome imaging in diabetic feet.

PURPOSE: To develop a noncontrast oximetric angiosome imaging approach to assess skeletal muscle oxygenation in diabetic feet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In four healthy and five subjects with diabetes, the feasibility of foot oximetry was examined using a 3T clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The subjects' feet were scanned at rest and during a toe-flexion isometric exercise. The oxygen extraction fraction of skeletal muscle was measured using a susceptibility-based MRI method. Our newly developed MR foot oximetric angiosome model was compared with the traditional angiosome model in the assessment of the distribution of oxygen extraction fraction. RESULTS: Using the traditional angiosome during the toe-flexion exercise, the oxygen extraction fraction in the medial foot of healthy subjects increased (4.9 ± 3%) and decreased (-2.7 ± 4.4%) in subjects with diabetes (difference = 7.6%; 95% confidence interval = -13.7 ± 1.4; P = 0.02). Using the oximetric angiosome, the percent difference in the areas of oxygen extraction fraction within the 0.7-1.0 range (expected oxygen extraction fraction during exercise) between rest and exercise was higher in healthy subjects (8 ± 4%) than in subjects with diabetes (4 ± 4%; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility of measuring skeletal muscle oxygen extraction fraction in the foot muscle during a toe-flexion isometric exercise. Instead of assessing oxygen extraction fraction in a foot muscle region linked to a supplying artery (traditional angiosome), the foot oximetric angiosome model assesses oxygen extraction fraction by its different levels in all foot muscle regions and thus may be more appropriate for assessing local ischemia in ulcerated diabetic feet. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:940-946.

Markers of cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, and ventricular dysfunction and remodeling in obese adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To test our hypothesis that obese adolescents have left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and remodeling that are associated with markers of cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance (IR). STUDY DESIGN: In a cross-sectional study of 44 obese and 14 lean age-, sex-, Tanner stage-, and race-matched adolescents, IR, markers of cardiovascular risks, conventional and 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography measures of LV function and structure were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The obese adolescents had significantly increased body mass index Z-score, systolic blood pressure, fasting insulin, IR, and atherogenic lipids compared with the lean adolescents. A subgroup of obese adolescents had LV remodeling characterized by significantly increased LV mass index (g/m(2.7)) and relative wall thickness. Almost all obese adolescents had LV dysfunction with peak LV global longitudinal strain (GLS, %), systolic GLS rate (GLSR, %/s), and early diastolic GLSR significantly lower than in lean adolescents and in the normal pediatric population. Body mass index Z-score predicted LV remodeling (LV mass index [R(2) = 0.34] and relative wall thickness [R(2) 0.10]), and peak LV GLS (R(2) 0.15), and along with systolic blood pressure, predicted systolic GLSR (R(2) 0.16); (P ≤ .01 for all). Fasting insulin predicted early diastolic GLSR (R(2) 0.17, P ≤ .01). CONCLUSIONS: Obese adolescents have subclinical ventricular dysfunction associated with the severity of obesity, increased systolic blood pressure, and IR. Ventricular remodeling is present in a subgroup of obese adolescents in association with the severity of obesity. These findings suggest that obesity may have an early impact on the cardiovascular health of obese adolescents.

Non-contrast MRI perfusion angiosome in diabetic feet.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to develop a non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach to evaluate skeletal muscle perfusion in the diabetic foot based on the concept of angiosomes of the foot. METHODS: Five healthy volunteers and five participants with diabetes (HbA1c = 7.2 ± 1.8%) without a history of peripheral artery disease were examined. The non-contrast perfusion measurements were performed during a toe flexion challenge. Absolute perfusion maps were created and two regions (medial and lateral) on the maps were segmented based on angiosomes. RESULT: Regional difference in the perfusion of foot muscle was readily visualized in the MRI perfusion angiosomes during the challenge. In the participants with diabetes, the perfusion during toe flexion challenge was significantly lower than in healthy volunteers (P < 0.01). The average perfusion for the medial plantar region of the right foot was lower in subjects with diabetes (38 ± 9 ml/min/100 g) than in healthy subjects (93 ± 33 ml/min/100 g). CONCLUSIONS: Non-contrast MRI perfusion angiosome maps demonstrate the feasibility of determining regional perfusion in foot muscles during toe challenge and may facilitate evaluation of muscle perfusion in diabetic feet. KEY POINTS: • Non-contrast MRI perfusion angiosome maps measure regional perfusion in foot muscles non-invasively. • Foot perfusion response to challenge is reduced in persons with diabetes. • MRI perfusion angiosome maps may help evaluation of regional foot muscle perfusion.

Coronary artery dilation and left ventricular hypertrophy do not predict morbidity in children with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the clinical significance of coronary artery dilation (CAD) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). PROCEDURE: In a retrospective cohort, we studied the prevalence of CAD and LVH in 101 children with SCD in comparison to 93 healthy African-American patients without SCD. Hospital days, number of admissions, and intensive care unit admission after the echocardiogram were assessed as measures of morbidity. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis of echocardiographic measures of LVH and CAD did not predict subsequent intensive care unit admission, hospital days/year or number of hospital admissions/year during a median follow-up time of 6.1 years. LVH as measured by left ventricular mass index was present in 46% of children with SCD and was inversely related to age (P = 0.0004). Height-indexed dimensions in children with SCD demonstrated that the prevalence of dilation was 49% for the left main coronary artery (LMCA), 29% for the left anterior descending (LAD), and 6% for the right coronary artery (RCA). LMCA dilation was related to relative wall thickness (P = 0.006), inversely to age (P < 0.0006) and weakly to disease severity as determined by hemoglobin (P = 0.03). CAD and LVH were not related to a clinical history of vaso-occlusive pain episode, acute chest syndrome, or cerebrovascular accident. CONCLUSION: LVH and CAD are common findings in children with SCD; however, they are not associated with need for subsequent hospital or intensive care unit admission.

Pediatric Emergency CT Scans at a Children's Hospital and at Community Hospitals: Radiation Technical Factors Are an Important Source of Radiation Exposure.

OBJECTIVE: This article compares the technical factors-in particular, tube current and voltage-and the resultant exposure to radiation associated with CT examinations performed at a children's hospital and at more general community hospital emergency departments (EDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans obtained at community hospital EDs were retrospectively reviewed and compared with CT scans obtained at a children's hospital, to assess differences in kilovoltage, tube current, and volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) used. The number of scans obtained during the contrast-enhanced phase was also assessed. Parametric and nonparametric statistical analyses were used to test differences. RESULTS: A total of 233 body CT examinations were performed at community hospitals, and 287 were performed at a children's hospital. At both types of hospital, the median patient age was 12 years (p = 0.66). Of the body CT scans obtained at community hospitals that focused on the care of adult patients, 194 of 233 (83%) used a tube voltage of 120 kVp, 29 of 233 (12%) used 100 kVp, and two of 233 (< 1%) used 80 kVp. Of the body CT scans obtained at the children's hospital, 121 of 287 (42%) used a tube voltage of 120 kVp, 129 of 287 (45%) used 100 kVp, and 36 of 287 (13%) used 80 kVp. The median tube current was also lower at the children's hospital (110 vs 125 mA) (p < 0.001). At the community hospitals, 11 of 233 studies were multiphasic, whereas at the children's hospital, there were no multiphasic studies. For all CT types, the median CTDIvol was 4.9 mGy (range, 2.5-8.2 mGy) at the children's hospital and 8.6 mGy (range, 6.0-14.4 mGy) at the community hospitals (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that a large proportion of children who undergo CT at community hospitals receive relatively higher radiation doses than children who undergo CT at children's hospitals. This finding is related to the higher tube settings (in particular, kilovoltage) used at community hospitals.

ALARA: Impact of Practice Quality Improvement Initiative on Dose Reduction in Pediatric Voiding Cystourethrogram.

OBJECTIVE: This practice quality improvement study of pediatric voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) investigated the adequacy of substituting last-image capture for digital-spot images and dose reduction when this substitution was implemented and determined correlations between dose-area products (DAPs), patient ages, and fluoroscopy times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of three phases: phase 1 documented baseline data and evaluated diagnostic accuracy between last-image capture and digital-spot images. Phase 2 documented the change in dose after substituting last-image capture for digital-spot images. Phase 3 measured doses 3 years later. Each phase-1 VCUG study was segregated into two image sets: last-image capture and digital-spot images. Three radiologists graded vesicoureteral reflux on each side using the international grading scale. Weighted kappa statistics assessed grading differences between image sets. Patient age, fluoroscopy time, and DAP were assessed with parametric and nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: Seventy-seven, 65, and 71 VCUGs were assessed for phases 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Weighted κ = 0.94-0.99 indicated nearly perfect agreement between last-image-capture and digital-spot-image interpretations. For phase 2, last-image capture was substituted for digital-spot images for early-filling and voiding images. DAP decreased for all three radiologists (p ≤ 0.01). Five of six (83%) correlations between DAP and age were higher than the correlations between DAP and fluoroscopy time. The dose remained significantly lower in phase 3. CONCLUSION: This project changed practice by substituting last-image capture for digital-spot images without affecting vesicoureteral reflux grading while reducing radiation exposure. Monitoring DAP is a better assessment of radiation exposure than is fluoroscopy time.

Effect of spatial resolution of T2-weighted imaging on diagnostic efficacy of MRI in detection of papilledema.

OBJECTIVE. Morphologic changes associated with papilledema may be masked by partial volume averaging effects in images obtained at a slice thickness greater than normal optic nerve thickness. We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution 3D T2-weighted imaging performed at submillimeter slice thickness with conventional T2-weighted imaging performed at 5-mm slice thickness for detection of papilledema. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Two blinded neuroradiologists evaluated conventional and high-resolution axial T2-weighted imaging across orbits from 25 patients with clinically proven papilledema and 66 control participants without papilledema. They graded optic nerve sheath distention and optic nerve head configuration, also making a binary determination for presence or absence of papilledema for each set of images. The diagnostic accuracy of each technique was assessed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and interobserver agreement. These parameters were compared using the homogeneity of odds ratio and McNemar tests. RESULTS. High-resolution T2-weighted imaging was associated with higher sensitivity (83.3% vs 56.2%, p = 0.0072 for reader 1; 87.5% vs 54.2% for reader 2, p = 0.0001) but unchanged specificity. High-resolution T2-weighted imaging was significantly better than conventional T2-weighted imaging in detecting optic nerve head deformity in patients with papilledema, but there was no difference between two techniques in detection of optic nerve sheath distention. High-resolution imaging also enabled greater interobserver agreement (κ = 0.82) compared with conventional T2-weighted image (κ = 0.62). CONCLUSION. Improved visualization of the optic nerve head afforded by high-resolution T2-weighted imaging translates into better diagnostic performance of MRI in detection of papilledema, with higher sensitivity and interobserver reliability.

Diffusion-weighted MRI for staging and evaluation of response in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to compare diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for the staging and evaluation of the treatment response in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Institutional review board approval was obtained for this study; all subjects gave informed consent. Twelve patients were imaged before treatment and eight of these were also imaged after two cycles of chemotherapy using both DW-MRI and PET/CT. Up to six target lesions were selected at baseline for response assessment based on International Working Group criteria (nodes > 1.5 cm in diameter; extranodal lesions > 1 cm in diameter). For pretreatment staging, visual analysis of the numbers of nodal and extranodal lesions based on PET/CT was performed. For interim response assessment after cycle 2 of chemotherapy, residual tumor sites were assessed visually and the percentage changes in target lesion size, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax ) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from pretreatment values were calculated. In 12 patients studied pretreatment, there were 46 nodal and 16 extranodal sites of lymphomatous involvement. Agreement between DW-MRI and PET/CT for overall lesion detection was 97% (60/62 tumor sites; 44/46 nodal and 16/16 extranodal lesions) and, for Ann Arbor stage, it was 100%. In the eight patients who had interim assessment, five of their 49 tumor sites remained abnormal on visual analysis of both DW-MRI and PET/CT, and there was one false positive on DW-MRI. Of their 24 target lesions, the mean pretreatment ADC value, tumor size and SUVmax were 772 µm(2) /s, 21.3 cm(2) and 16.9 g/mL, respectively. At interim assessment of the same 24 target lesions, ADC values increased by 85%, tumor size decreased by 74% and SUVmax decreased by 83% (all p < 0.01 versus baseline). DW-MRI provides results comparable with those of PET/CT for staging and early response assessment in patients with DLBCL.

Gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging correlates with clinical measures and allows visualization of veins within multiple sclerosis lesions.

BACKGROUND: Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods do not quantify the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) white matter lesions or measure pathology within normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). OBJECTIVE: Gradient Echo Plural Contrast Imaging (GEPCI), a fast MRI technique producing inherently co-registered images for qualitative and quantitative assessment of MS, was used to 1) correlate with disability; 2) distinguish clinical MS subtypes; 3) determine prevalence of veins co-localized within lesions in WM. METHODS: Thirty subjects representing relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) subtypes were scanned with clinical and GEPCI protocols. Standard measures of physical disability and cognition were correlated with magnetic resonance metrics. Lesions with central veins were counted for RRMS subjects. RESULTS: Tissue damage load (TDL-GEPCI) and lesion load (LL-GEPCI) derived with GEPCI correlated better with MS functional composite (MSFC) measures and most other neurologic measures than lesion load derived with FLAIR (LL-FLAIR). GEPCI correctly classified clinical subtypes in 70% subjects. A central vein could be identified in 76% of WM lesions in RRMS subjects on GEPCI T2*-SWI images. CONCLUSION: GEPCI lesion metrics correlated better with neurologic disability than lesion load derived using FLAIR imaging, and showed promise in classifying clinical subtypes of MS. These improvements are likely attributable to the ability of GEPCI to quantify tissue damage.

Hip chondrolysis and femoral head osteonecrosis: a complication of periacetabular cryoablation.

PURPOSE: To describe a new complication and retrospectively identify the incidence and risk factors for hip chondrolysis and femoral head osteonecrosis associated with percutaneous cryoablation of periacetabular malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 45 patients with a total of 113 musculoskeletal lesions were treated by percutaneous image-guided cryoablation between May 2008 and June 2013. Included in the treated population were 10 patients with a total of 12 periacetabular lesions. Clinical and imaging follow-up of at least 2 months was reviewed for evidence of femoral head osteonecrosis or hip chondrolysis. Parametric and nonparametric statistical methods were used to assess patient demographics and treatment technique and parameters on the development of hip chondrolysis/femoral head osteonecrosis. RESULTS: Hip chondrolysis/femoral head osteonecrosis developed in 40% of patients (four of 10) and in 33% of treated periacetabular lesions (four of 12). All patients in whom chondrolysis/osteonecrosis developed were women. Needle proximity to the acetabulum (< 5 mm) was a significant predictor of chondrolysis/osteonecrosis development (P = .01). Three of the four patients in whom chondrolysis/osteonecrosis developed have undergone total joint replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Periacetabular cryoablation can result in transarticular extension of the ablation zone, which may result in the development of hip chondrolysis and femoral head osteonecrosis. The proximity of the cryoablation probe to the acetabulum is a significant risk factor in the development of this complication.

Tissue Doppler septal Tei index indicates severity of illness in pediatric patients with congestive heart failure.

The Doppler Tei index is an independent predictor of outcomes in adult heart failure. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) may be a superior method to measure the Tei index in children because it is less affected by heart rate variability. We hypothesized that the TDI Tei index reflects severity of illness in pediatric heart failure. Twenty-five pediatric heart failure patients were prospectively enrolled. Listing for heart transplantation or death were the outcomes used to define severity of illness. Baseline demographics, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and standard echocardiographic and TDI-derived parameters were analyzed to determine outcome indicators. Ten of the 25 patients (40%) were listed for transplantation. There were no deaths. Multivariate analysis combining age, heart rate, standard echocardiographic parameters, and BNP resulted in shortening fraction (p = 0.002) as the best indicator of listing for transplantation (R(2) = 0.32). A second multivariate analysis combining age, heart rate, TDI parameters, and BNP resulted in age (p = 0.03) and septal Tei index (p = 0.03) as the best predictive model (R(2) = 0.36). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for septal Tei index was 0.84 (95% confidence interval = 0.64-0.96,), and it was comparable with the ROC curve for shortening fraction, p = 0.76. Optimal values of sensitivity (100%) and specificity (60%) were obtained with septal Tei index values >0.51. The TDI septal Tei index is an indicator of disease severity in pediatric heart failure patients and offers potential advantages compared with standard echocardiographic measures of left-ventricular ejection.

The effect of the irrigant QMix on removal of canal wall smear layer: an ex vivo study.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness over application time of different formulations of a novel endodontic irrigant (QMix™ 2in1) composed of a polyaminocarboxylic acid chelating agent, a bisbiguanide antimicrobial agent, a surfactant and deionized water to remove the root canal smear layer and expose patent dentinal tubules compared to a standard solution of 17% EDTA. Eighty human tooth roots from extracted, single-rooted teeth were instrumented (size 40.06) using 0.2 mL of sodium hypochlorite (6.15%) between each file size with a 3 mL water rinse after final instrumentation. Eight groups of 10 roots were irrigated with 3 mL of different formulations of QMix: QMix A, QMix B, and QMix C, or 17% EDTA for 60 and 90 s, respectively, then rinsed with 5 mL of sterile water. The roots were irrigated using a standard irrigation syringe and a 30 ga side-vent needle with an apical-coronal motion to within 1 mm of the working length. The coronal, middle and apical thirds of one canal surface of each root was evaluated at 1000× using scanning electron microscopy. The presence of smear layer was scored using a 5-point scale. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis rank sums test, the Steel-Dwass, all-pairs comparison test, and the Steel method (with control) test. Irrigant type was highly significant (p < 0.007). Combined 60 and 90 s exposure data indicated QMix A (p = 0.014) and QMix C (p = 0.028) were superior to EDTA. While at the 90 s exposure time, smear layer removal by solutions QMix A (p = 0.043), QMix B (p = 0.018), and QMix C (p = 0.011) was superior to EDTA. All irrigants removed smear layer more effectively at the coronal and middle levels compared to the apical level (p < 0.001). Analysis showed all three QMix formulations were superior to EDTA in smear layer removal and exposure of dentinal tubules in the root canal system in single-rooted teeth.