Investigating silent pauses in connected speech: integrating linguistic, neuropsychological, and neuroanatomical perspectives across narrative tasks in post-stroke aphasia.

Introduction: Silent pauses are regarded as integral components of the temporal organization of speech. However, it has also been hypothesized that they serve as markers for internal cognitive processes, including word access, monitoring, planning, and memory functions. Although existing evidence across various pathological populations underscores the importance of investigating silent pauses' characteristics, particularly in terms of frequency and duration, there is a scarcity of data within the domain of post-stroke aphasia. Methods: The primary objective of the present study is to scrutinize the frequency and duration of silent pauses in two distinct narrative tasks within a cohort of 32 patients with chronic post-stroke aphasia, in comparison with a control group of healthy speakers. Subsequently, we investigate potential correlation patterns between silent pause measures, i.e., frequency and duration, across the two narrative tasks within the patient group, their performance in neuropsychological assessments, and lesion data. Results: Our findings showed that patients exhibited a higher frequency of longer-duration pauses in both narrative tasks compared to healthy speakers. Furthermore, within-group comparisons revealed that patients tended to pause more frequently and for longer durations in the picture description task, while healthy participants exhibited the opposite trend. With regard to our second research question, a marginally significant interaction emerged between performance in semantic verbal fluency and the narrative task, in relation to the location of silent pauses-whether between or within clauses-predicting the duration of silent pauses in the patient group. However, no significant results were observed for the frequency of silent pauses. Lastly, our study identified that the duration of silent pauses could be predicted by distinct Regions of Interest (ROIs) in spared tissue within the left hemisphere, as a function of the narrative task. Discussion: Overall, this study follows an integrative approach of linguistic, neuropsychological and neuroanatomical data to define silent pauses in connected speech, and illustrates interrelations between cognitive components, temporal aspects of speech, and anatomical indices, while it further highlights the importance of studying connected speech indices using different narrative tasks.

Caesarean-section scar endometriosis (CSSE): clinical and imaging fundamentals of an underestimated entity.

Caesarean-section scar endometriosis (CSSE) is a form of extra-pelvic endometriosis developing through endometrial cell implantation anywhere along the route of a previous caesarean section (CS) surgery, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, abdominal wall muscles, intraperitoneally, and the uterine scar itself. Synchronous intra-abdominal endometriosis is not a prerequisite. Given the rising prevalence of CS, CSSE may be underrepresented in the literature and occur more frequently than previously thought. Locating a painful soft-tissue mass-like lesion along the path of a previous CS scar is the most indicative sign that should initially alarm physicians towards suggesting CSSE, especially if symptoms are typical (cyclically reoccurring with menstruation). The detection of hyperintense (haemorrhagic) foci on T1 fat-saturated sequences will strongly support the diagnosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the most sensitive imaging method for CSSE assessment. A non-specific, contrast-enhancing, hypodense nodule with spiculate edges may be suggestive if the lesion was originally detected on computed tomography (CT). Although ultrasound is frequently the first imaging method used, the findings are non-specific; therefore, making it more useful for ruling out other differentials and for image-guided biopsy. In any case, histopathology provides the definitive diagnosis. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment; however, minimally invasive, percutaneous techniques have also been implemented successfully.

Prospective Series of Transarterial Chemoembolization of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer to the Liver with 30-60 µm Microspheres Loaded with Irinotecan.

PURPOSE: To describe safety and clinical outcomes among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) to the liver treated with transarterial chemoembolization with HepaSphere™ Microspheres 30-60 µm loaded with irinotecan (ΙRI-HEP-TACE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study (NCT04866290), 100 adults with confirmed mCRC to the liver who were ineligible for resection were enrolled and followed up to 24 months or death. Study outcomes among Salvage (patients not tolerating more cycles of chemotherapy) and Non-salvage patients included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response (OR), objective response rate (ORR), best tumor response (BTR), adverse events (AEs), and pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and its active metabolite, 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin (SN38). RESULTS: The median age was 66 years (range: 31-89). Median OS was 15.08 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.33-17.25). PFS was 8.52 months (95% CI: 6.0-9.0; p < 0.001). ORR was 42.2% (95% CI: 31.57-53.50) and 35.9% (95% CI: 25.57-47.62) based on modified RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) and RECIST 1.1 criteria. BTR was not significantly different between mRECIST and RECIST (p = 0.745). The Non-salvage group had a statistically significant difference in median OS relative to the Salvage group (15.3 vs. 3 months; p < 0.001). Pharmacokinetic analyses demonstrated no correlation of OS with plasma concentration of irinotecan and SN38 (all p > 0.05). Most AEs were Grade 2 (257/279), the most common AE was right upper abdominal pain (180/279). One major AE (tumor rupture) was reported. CONCLUSION: IRI-HEP-TACE is an alternative treatment for patients with Non-salvage mCRC to the liver.

Safety, Efficacy and Distribution of Doxorubicin Loaded Radiopaque Beads in Chemoembolization in Intermediate Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) with Correlation with Local Response.

PURPOSE: The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate safety, and efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) using doxorubicin-loaded radiopaque microspheres (DC Bead LUMI™) for the treatment of early and intermediate stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) not amenable for curative treatments. Distribution of the microspheres was correlated with results post embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, single arm, open label study. The primary outcome measures were distribution of the radiopaque microspheres as showed by computerized tomography (CT) and local response measured by modified Response Evaluation Criteria (mRECIST) after Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Secondary measures were Time to Progression (TTP) and Overall Survival (OS). RESULTS: Fifty patients were enrolled over 36 months. Median age was 69.0 years; mean sum of target lesions diameters was 78.6 ± 36.8 mm. There were no Grade 4 or 5 adverse events (AEs). At 6 months Complete Response (CR) (18%), Partial Response (PR) (62%), Objective Response OR (80%) and Stable Disease (SD) (20%) were recorded. Before embolization, Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) showed high signal (restricted diffusion). Post procedure, patients with dense deposition (< 5 mm distance of microsphere aggregations) showed 100% absence of enhancement and no restriction in 30.6%. Median TTP was 8.3 months. TTP for patients with CR was 13.3 months and 7.2 and 5.6 for PR and SD, respectively. At 6 and 36 months, survival was 94% and 34%, respectively. CONCLUSION: DC Bead LUMI™ is well tolerated and effective in early and intermediate stage HCC with maximal necrosis obtained in dense deposition in the target.

The relation of integrated psychological therapy to resting state functional brain connectivity networks in patients with schizophrenia.

Functional brain dysconnectivity measured with resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) has been linked to cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. This study investigated the effects on functional brain connectivity of Integrated Psychological Therapy (IPT), a cognitive behavioral oriented group intervention program, in 31 patients with schizophrenia. Patients received IPT or an equal intensity non-specific psychological treatment in a non-randomized design. Evidence of improvement in executive and social functions, psychopathology and overall level of functioning was observed after treatment completion at six months only in the IPT treatment group and was partially sustained at one-year follow up. Independent Component Analysis and Isometric Mapping (ISOMAP), a non-linear manifold learning algorithm, were used to construct functional connectivity networks from the rsfMRI data. Functional brain dysconnectivity was observed in patients compared to a group of 17 healthy controls, both globally and specifically including the default mode (DMN) and frontoparietal network (FPN). DMN and FPN connectivity were reversed towards healthy control patterns only in the IPT treatment group and these effects were sustained at follow up for DMN but not FPN. These data suggest the use of rsfMRI as a biomarker for accessing and monitoring the therapeutic effects of cognitive remediation therapy in schizophrenia.

Percutaneous imaging-guided techniques for the treatment of benign neuropathic pain.

To date, conservative management including physical and/or systemic pharmacologic therapy is considered as the first line approach for the management of neuropathic pain syndromes. In the era of an opioid overdose crisis with an increased concern upon the risks and harms arising from the misuse of medicines for pain management, percutaneous minimally invasive techniques such as nerve infiltrations as well as neurolysis or neuromodulation techniques can be proposed to control pain and improve life quality. Computed tomography can serve as an ideal guiding technique due to its specific characteristics including precise anatomic delineation, high spatial resolution and good tissue contrast. The purpose of this review is to make the reader familiar with the most common indications for minimally invasive imaging-guided techniques in patients with neuralgia and provide current evidence regarding technical considerations.

Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Infiltrations for Piriformis Syndrome: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Piriformis syndrome (PS), first described by Yeoman in 1928, is a general term referring to low back pain, sciatica, and instability. PS has a 6% incidence rate worldwide. In this study, we aim to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous infiltration in a series of consecutive PS patients who have symptoms that are refractory to conservative therapies. An institutional database search identified 20 such consecutive patients who underwent infiltration with a mixture of long-acting corticosteroid and local anesthetic. Preoperational evaluation included physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging. The correct position of the 22-gauge spinal needle was verified with CT scan after contrast medium injection. Pain measured before the procedure and at 1 wk and 1, 6, and 12 mo after the procedure was compared by means of a numeric visual scale (NVS) questionnaire. The mean pain score before CT-guided percutaneous infiltration was 8.95 ± 1.432 NVS units. This score was reduced to a mean value of 0.85 ± 0.933 units at 1 wk, 0.90 ± 0.852 at 1 mo, 1.10 ± 1.165 at 6 mo, and 1.20 ± 1.399 at 12 mo follow-up (p < 0.001). Two patients of 20 (10%) underwent a second infiltration that was performed at 7 and 10 d after the first, respectively. No complications were observed. CT-guided infiltration seems to be a feasible, efficacious, and safe approach for pain reduction and mobility improvement in patients with symptomatic PS.

Five-Years Outcome Analysis of 142 Consecutive Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Treated with Doxorubicin Eluting Microspheres 30-60 µm: Results from a Single-Centre Prospective Phase II Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess prospectively long-term results of doxorubicin-loaded HepaSphere 30-60 µm in consecutive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not amenable to curative treatments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Single-center study from June 2011 to December 2015 in 151 patients treated with 75 mg of doxorubicin per HepaSphere vial. Baseline: Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer BCLC A/B was 49.3%/50.7%, and median diameter 6.1 cm (mean 6.7 ± 2.0). Liver function, local response (mRECIST), liver time to progression (LTTP), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs) were recorded. RESULTS: Final analysis included 142 patients with median follow-up of 46.8 months (range 4-72) without grade 4/5 AEs, and 30-day mortality was 0%. Mean number of scheduled treatments was 2.6 (range 1-3) and on demand 3 (range 1-8). Complete response for single tumor ≤ 5 cm was 75.0% and 66.7% for Child A and Child B, while for > 5 cm was 28.6% and 11.8%, respectively. OS was 31.0 months (mean 33.3 ± 15.2; range 8-69), notably for BCLC A 41 months (mean 41.1 ± 15.3; range 13-69) and for BCLC B 26.0 (mean 26.0 ± 10.5; range 8-51). OS at 1, 3 and 5 years: 95.8%, 75.7% and 21.4% for BCLC A, and 94.4%, 36.1% and 2.7% for BCLC B. Median LTTP for BCLC A was 11 months (mean 11.9 ± 4.7; range 3-24) and 7.5 for BCLC B (mean 7.9 ± 2.9). Local response was significant for OS and LTTP (p < 0.0001), while size and lesion number affected LPFS and OS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HepaSphere 30-60 µm loaded with doxorubicin provides a safe and effective treatment option for patients with HCC.

Hypo-activity of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex relates to increased reaction time variability in patients with schizophrenia.

Increased reaction time intra-subject variability (RT-ISV) in fast decision tasks has been confirmed in patients with schizophrenia and has been hypothesized to result from a deficit in the control of attention. Here, an attentional task and functional brain imaging were used to probe the neural correlates of increased RT-ISV in schizophrenia. Thirty patients and 30 age and sex matched controls performed the Eriksen flanker spatial attention task with concurrent measurement of brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The behavioral measures included accuracy, mean, standard deviation of RT (RTSD), coefficient of variation of RT (RTCV) and ex-Gaussian model of RT distribution parameters (mu, sigma and tau). Larger mean RT and Ex-Gaussian mu was observed for patients compared to controls. The group difference was larger for incongruent (attentionally demanding) versus congruent trials confirming a deficit in the control of spatial attention for patients. Significant increase in RT-ISV measures (RTSD, sigma and tau) for patients compared to controls was observed and was not modulated by trial congruency. Attention modulation (congruency effect) resulted in activation of bilateral frontal and parietal areas that was not different between patients and controls. Right middle frontal, right superior temporal and bilateral cingulate areas were more active in controls compared to patients independent of congruency. Activation in ROIs extracted from attention (congruency) and group related areas correlated with RT-ISV measures (especially RTCV and tau). Hypo-activation of the right middle frontal area correlated with increased tau specifically in patients. Hypo-activity of the right prefrontal cortex predicted increased RT-ISV in schizophrenia. This effect was unrelated to the effects of spatial attention and might be linked to a deficit in the inhibitory control of action for these patients.

Interventional radiology techniques for pain reduction and mobility improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common cause of chronic knee pain being more prevalent in middle-aged and elderly patients. Symptomatic patients complain of pain and mobility impairment. Therapeutic armamentarium includes physical therapy, oral pharmacologic therapy, intra-articular injections, nerve ablation or modulation, trans-catheter arterial embolization, minimally invasive arthroscopic treatment and partial or total knee arthroplasty. Interventional radiology therapies for knee osteoarthritis include intra-articular injections, neurotomy and neuromodulation techniques as well as transcatheter intra-arterial therapies. These therapies aim to control pain and inflammation, improve mobility and function whilst the novel cell-based therapies have the potential for bone and cartilage regenerative repair facilitating the delay to surgery. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the technical aspects, the indications and the methodology of local therapies for knee osteoarthritis performed by interventional radiologists and provide current evidence.

Intra-articular application of pulsed radiofrequency combined with viscosupplementation for improvement of knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a single centre prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of intra-articular application of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) combined with viscosupplementation in patients with knee osteoarthritis suffering from chronic pain refractory to conservative therapies. METHODS: During a 30-month period, PRF combined with viscosupplementation was performed on 53 cases of knee osteoarthritis (45 patients, 8/45 with bilateral knee osteoarthritis). Pre-operational imaging included standard knee X-rays on anterior-posterior and lateral views used to evaluate patients according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification. Pain, prior, one week/one, 6 and 12 months post were compared by means of a numeric visual scale (NVS) questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean pain score prior to PRF was 8.19 ± 1.4 NVS units. This score was reduced to a mean value of 2.47 ± 2.5 NVS units at 1 week after, 2.55 ± 2.6 at 1 month, 3.1 ± 2.8 at 6 months and 5.02 ± 3.09 at 12 months of follow-up (p < 0.01). Overall mobility improved in 47/53 (88.6%) patients. No complication was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Combining PRF with viscous supplementation is an effective and safe technique for palliative management of chronic pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Results seem to be reproducible and long lasting. There seems to be a need of repeating the session at 1 year.

Percutaneous microwave ablation of renal cell carcinoma using a high power microwave system: focus upon safety and efficacy.

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous ablation is an expanding, minimally invasive approach for small- to medium-sized renal masses. The purpose of this study is to review safety, and mid-term efficacy of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) treatment using a high power microwave system. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Institutional database research identified 50 consecutive patients with a single lesion resembling renal cell carcinoma in CT and MRI who underwent percutaneous microwave ablation using a high power microwave system. All patients underwent biopsy on the same session with ablation using an 18G semi-automatic soft tissue biopsy needle. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was used for post-ablation follow-up. Patient and tumour characteristics, microwave technique, complications and pattern of recurrence were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 74 years (male-female: 31-19). Average lesion size was 3.1 cm (range 2.0-4.3 cm). Biopsy results report RCC (n = 48), inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (n = 1), and non-diagnostic sample (n = 1). The 3-year overall survival was 95.8% (46/48). Two patients died during the 3-year follow-up period due to causes unrelated to the MW ablation and to the RCC. Minor complications including haematomas requiring nothing but observation occurred at 4% (2/50) of the cases. Local recurrence of 6.25% (3/48) was observed with 2/3 cases being re-treated achieving a total clinical success of 97.9% (47/48 lesions). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous microwave ablation of RCC using a high power microwave system is a safe and efficacious technique for the treatment of small- to medium-sized renal masses.

Computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation of intra-articular osteoid osteoma: a single centre's experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of painful intra-articular osteoid osteoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the last 3 years, 15 patients underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy and RFA of symptomatic intra-articular osteoid osteoma. In order to assess and sample the nidus, a coaxial bone biopsy system was used. Biopsy was performed and followed by ablation session with osteoid osteoma protocol in all cases. Procedure time (i.e. drilling including local anaesthesia and ablation), amount of scans, the results of biopsy and pain reduction during follow-up period are reported. RESULTS: Access to the nidus through normal bone, biopsy and electrode insertion was technically feasible in all cases. Median procedure time was 54 min. Histologic verification of osteoid osteoma was performed in all cases. Median amount CT scans, performed to control correct positioning of the drill and precise electrode placement within the nidus was 9. There were no complications or material failure reported in our study. There was no need for protective techniques of the articular cartilage. Pain reduction was significant from the first morning post ablation and complete at the one week and during the follow-up period. No recurrences were noted. CONCLUSIONS: RFA under CT guidance is a safe and efficient technique for the treatment of painful intra-articular osteoid osteoma. Imaging guidance, extra-articular access through normal bone and exact positioning of the needle-electrode inside the nidus facilitate safety of the technique and prevention of damage to the articular cartilage.

Percutaneous Biopsy and Radiofrequency Ablation of Osteoid Osteoma with Excess Reactive New Bone Formation and Cortical Thickening Using a Battery-Powered Drill for Access: A Technical Note.

PURPOSE: To report our experience with the use of a battery-powered drill in biopsy and radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma with excess reactive new bone formation. The battery-powered drill enables obtaining the sample while drilling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the last 18 months, 14 patients suffering from painful osteoid osteoma with excess reactive new bone formation underwent CT-guided biopsy and radiofrequency ablation. In order to assess and sample the nidus of the osteoid osteoma, a battery-powered drill was used. Biopsy was performed in all cases. Then, coaxially, a radiofrequency electrode was inserted and ablation was performed with osteoid osteoma protocol. Procedure time (i.e., drilling including local anesthesia), amount of scans, technical and clinical success, and the results of biopsy are reported. RESULTS: Access to the nidus through the excess reactive new bone formation was feasible in all cases. Median procedure time was 50.5 min. Histologic verification of osteoid osteoma was performed in all cases. Radiofrequency electrode was coaxially inserted within the nidus and ablation was successfully performed in all lesions. Median amount CT scans, performed to control correct positioning of the drill and precise electrode placement within the nidus was 11. There were no complications or material failure reported in our study. CONCLUSIONS: The use of battery-powered drill facilitates access to the osteoid osteoma nidus in cases where excess reactive new bone formation is present. Biopsy needle can be used for channel creation during the access offering at the same time the possibility to extract bone samples.

Percutaneous Augmented Peripheral Osteoplasty in Long Bones of Oncologic Patients for Pain Reduction and Prevention of Impeding Pathologic Fracture: The Rebar Concept.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical efficacy/safety of augmented peripheral osteoplasty in oncologic patients with long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Percutaneous augmented peripheral osteoplasty was performed in 12 patients suffering from symptomatic lesions of long bones. Under extensive local sterility measures, anesthesiology care, and fluoroscopic guidance, direct access to lesion was obtained and coaxially a metallic mesh consisting of 25-50 medical grade stainless steel micro-needles (22 G, 2-6 cm length) was inserted. PMMA for vertebroplasty was finally injected under fluoroscopic control. CT assessed implant position 24-h post-treatment. RESULTS: Clinical evaluation included immediate and delayed follow-up studies of patient's general condition, NVS pain score, and neurological status. Imaging assessed implant's long-term stability. Mean follow-up was 16.17 ± 10.93 months (range 2-36 months). Comparing patients' scores prior (8.33 ± 1.67 NVS units) and post (1.42 ± 1.62 NVS units) augmented peripheral osteoplasty, there was a mean decrease of 6.92 ± 1.51 NVS units. Overall mobility improved in 12/12 patients. No complication was observed. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous augmented peripheral osteoplasty (rebar concept) for symptomatic malignant lesions in long bones seems to be a possible new technique for bone stabilization. This combination seems to provide necessary stability against shearing forces applied in long bones during weight bearing.

Hypofractionated irradiation for gliomas with 45.5Gy in 13 fractions: a retrospective study.

AIM: The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) schedule for grade IV glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). METHODS: Fourteen elderly patients with KPS less than 70, received 13 fractions of 350cGy with 3D-conformal technique (3DCRT) and non-coplanar fields. Acute and late skin and CNS toxicity was graded according to EORTC/RTOG criteria. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 9 months. All patients completed the irradiation without interruptions due to toxicity and received temozolomide (TMZ) after the completion of 3DCRT. The KPS during RT and at follow-up was not significantly changed (P=0.108). The median overall survival was 7 months. No severe skin acute or late toxicity was noted. In terms of CNS toxicity, only one patient presented grade III toxicity requiring hospitalization for two days. The irradiation schedule of 45.5Gy in 13 fractions seems effective and without moderate or severe toxicity. CONCLUSION: The suggested HFRT schedule might be an alternative one, for elderly patients with dismal prognosis, unfit for six weeks of daily irradiation. Prospective studies are needed for further validation of our results, especially with the use of TMZ.

Increased prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in premenopausal women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: Limited data exist concerning the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in premenopausal women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of PCOS in overweight and obese premenopausal women with NAFLD. DESIGN: Prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study. METHODS: We studied 110 apparently healthy, overweight, and obese (BMI: 25.1-49.1 kg/m(2)) premenopausal women (age: 18-45 years) reporting no or minimal alcohol consumption for NAFLD with abdominal ultrasonography after excluding causes of secondary liver disease and for PCOS (Rotterdam criteria) with clinical examination, biochemical evaluation, and pelvic ultrasonography. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed by homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), and free androgen index was calculated. RESULTS: NAFLD was detected in 71/110 women (64.5%). Women with NAFLD compared to women without NAFLD were more commonly diagnosed with PCOS (43.7% vs 23.1%, respectively, P=0.04), metabolic syndrome (30.2% vs 5.3%, respectively, P=0.003), and abnormal lipid profile (81.1% vs 51.3%, P=0.002). All women with abnormal glucose metabolism had NAFLD (P=0.01). Although PCOS was associated with NAFLD (OR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6.2, P=0.04), in a multivariate analysis higher HOMA-IR values (OR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.4, P=0.02) and triglyceride levels (OR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02, P=0.04) independently predicted NAFLD, after adjusting for age, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate an increased prevalence of PCOS in overweight and obese premenopausal women with NAFLD, although it is not supported that the syndrome is primarily involved in NAFLD. Evaluation for PCOS may be considered in these women.

Baastrup's disease (kissing spines syndrome): a pictorial review.

UNLABELLED: Excessive lordosis is a common finding and may produce mechanical pressure that causes repetitive strains of the interspinous ligament with subsequent degeneration and collapse. Baastrup's disease (kissing spine syndrome) is a term referring to close approximation of adjacent spinous processes due to degenerative changes of the spine. Baastrup's disease usually affects the lumbar spine, with L4-L5 being the most commonly affected level. There is higher occurrence at ages over 70 and no gender predilection. Symptoms include back pain with midline distribution that worsens during extension, is relieved during flexion and is exaggerated upon finger pressure at the level of interest. Diagnosis rests on clinical examination and imaging studies. The hallmark of imaging findings is the close approximation and contact of adjacent spinous processes, with all the subsequent findings including oedema, cystic lesions, sclerosis, flattening and enlargement of the articulating surfaces, bursitis and occasionally epidural cysts or midline epidural fibrotic masses. Proposed therapies include conservative treatment, percutaneous infiltrations or surgical therapies such as excision of the bursa or osteotomy. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the spectrum of imaging findings in Baastrup's disease and to emphasise upon including the syndrome in the list of potential causes of low-back pain. TEACHING POINTS: • Baastrup's disease refers to close approximation of adjacent spinous processes. • Diagnosis of Baastrup's disease is verified with clinical examination and imaging studies. • Contact of adjacent spinous processes results in oedema, sclerosis, flattening and enlargement. • Proposed therapies include conservative treatment, percutaneous infiltrations or surgical therapies.