Computed tomography evaluation of variations in positions and measurements of appendix in patients with non-appendicular symptoms: time to revise the diagnostic criteria for appendicitis.

Purpose: To estimate the frequency distribution of different anatomical positions, and to measure the diameter, wall thickness, and length of appendix in patients with non-appendicular symptoms. Material and methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted among 1,575 patients, who had undergone computed tomography (CT) scan of abdomen for various non-appendicular signs and symptoms. Frequency of distribution of different anatomic locations and measurements of various morphologic parameters were recorded. Results: The most common location of appendix was retrocecal, followed by sub-cecal, post-ileal, and pelvic locations. The mean length of appendix was 66.7 mm (range, 6.3-123 mm), and the diameter was 6.3 mm (range, 2.8-11.3 mm). Diameter of > 6 mm was noted in 48.12% patients. The mean wall thickness was 2.37 mm, ranging 1.2-4.2 mm. The most common intra-luminal content was air-mixed with hypodense or hyperdense material observed in 70.5% of cases. Conclusions: Although an appendix with diameter less than 6 mm may be considered normal, a diameter above 6 mm has an overlap between a normal and inflamed appendix. Therefore, it should be considered in association with clinical and secondary findings to avoid overdiagnosis and unnecessary appendicectomies. We strongly recommend that diameter-based CT criteria to diagnose appendicitis should be revised and standardized.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI derived kinetic perfusion indices may help predicting seizure control in single calcified neurocysticercosis.

BACKGROUND: The factors responsible for seizure recurrence in patients with Solitary calcified neurocysticercosis (NCC) are not well understood. Blood brain barrier (BBB) breach may be associated with seizure recurrence. Dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI derived indices kep, ktrans and ve are useful in quantifying BBB permeability. In this study, we assessed the possible role of DCE-MRI and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9 levels in predicting seizure recurrence. METHODS: In this prospective-observational study, patients with new-onset seizures and a solitary calcified NCC were included. DCE-MRI was done to quantify BBB integrity. DCE-MRI parameters were measured as kep, ktrans and ve. MMP-9 levels were estimated. Patients were followed for 1 year, when DCE-MRI and MMP-9 levels were repeated. Patients were classified into two groups on the basis of seizure recurrence, which was defined as the recurrence of an episode of seizure at least 1 week after the initiation of the anti-epileptic drugs. Logistic regression analysis was done. RESULTS: At 1-year of follow up, 8 out of 32 patients had seizure recurrence. Baseline DCE-MRI derived kep (p = 0.015) and MMP-9 levels (p = 0.019) were significantly higher in the seizure "recurrence" group compared with the "no recurrence" group. On within-group analysis, a significant increase in kep (p = 0.012), ve (p = 0.012), and MMP-9 levels (p = 0.017) was observed in the seizure "recurrence" group while a decrease was seen in ve and MMP-9 levels in the "no recurrence" group. CONCLUSION: Higher values of DCE-MRI indices and MMP-9 levels, with a corresponding trend in the follow-up, can be useful in predicting lesions with a higher propensity for seizure recurrence.