Quantitative T2 Mapping of Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Quantification of the T2 signal by means of T2 mapping in acute pancreatitis (AP) has the potential to quantify the parenchymal edema. Quantitative T2 mapping may overcome the limitations of previously reported scoring systems for reliable assessment of AP. PURPOSE: To evaluate MR-derived pancreatic T2 mapping values in AP and correlate them with markers of disease severity. STUDY TYPE: Prospective single-center study. POPULATION: 76 adults with AP (20-91 years, females/males: 39/37). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: Fat suppressed multiecho spin-echo prototype sequence to quantify T2 signal at 3T MRI. ASSESSMENT: The severity of AP was assessed clinically, biologically, and by contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) performed 48-72 hours after symptom onset. MRI was then performed ≤24 hours after CT. Two readers blinded to any clinical information independently evaluated the T2 values by placing three regions of interest inside the pancreatic head, body, and tail on the T2 mapping MR sequence. Results were compared with corresponding CECT images as the standard and clinical severity parameters, using the length of hospital stay as our primary endpoint. STATISTICAL TESTS: Continuous variables were compared using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Student's t-test. RESULTS: T2 values significantly correlated with the length of hospital stay (rs (74) = 0.29), CT severity index (CTSI) (rs (73) = 0.61; CTSI 0-3: 72 ± 14 msec, CTSI 4-10: 88 ± 15), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (t(2.77) = -3.41) and presence of organ failure (t(6.72) = -3.42), whereas the CTSI and Ranson score were not significantly related with ICU admission (CTSI: P = 0.24; Ranson score: P = 0.24) and organ failure (CTSI: P = 0.11; Ranson score P = 0.11). CONCLUSION: T2 mapping correlates with AP severity parameters and is useful for assessing the severity of AP with higher sensitivity than the usual clinical and radiological scoring systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Pediatric cystic lymphangioma of the retroperitoneum: A case report and review of the literature.

RATIONALE: Cystic lymphangioma (CL) is a rare benign tumor resulting from a failure of the lymphatic system development. It may occur at any age but it is more frequent during childhood. Its clinical presentation and location are various but abdominal CL are uncommon. Among those, mesenteric presentation is the most frequent form whereas CL of the retroperitoneum are particularly rare. PATIENT CONCERNS: Herein, we report the case of a 17-years-old patient with no medical history who presented with right-upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, but no other symptom. Physical examination showed tenderness of the RUQ without distension. Lab tests were unremarkable. DIAGNOSIS: Abdominal computed tomography (CT) highlighted a retroperitoneal cystic mass potentially infiltrating the mesenterium, raising suspicion of a CL of the retroperitoneum. Diagnosis of CL was confirmed by histological analyses. INTERVENTION: Patient underwent an exploratory laparoscopy that infirmed infiltration of the mesenterium and allowed for resection. OUTCOMES: Postoperative course was uneventful and there is no evidence of recurrence after 14 months of follow-up. LESSONS: Although CL essentially occur in children, pediatric retroperitoneal CL is a rare finding, with only 21 cases identified in the literature.In summary, CL are benign tumors rarely located in the retroperitoneum. Despite performant imaging technologies, preoperative diagnosis is challenging. Whenever possible, laparoscopic resection should be the treatment of choice. Herein, we report the largest CL pediatric case laparoscopically resected, and the first review of the literature on the topic.

Atypical biceps-related complication of proximal humerus fracture leading to internal shoulder impingement due to tendon stump dislocation.

Non-displaced proximal humerus fractures are usually managed non-operatively despite of minor malalignment. Biceps tendon rupture due to attrition after malunion is rare around the proximal humerus. Rupture of the long head of biceps (LHB) tendon usually occurs inside the joint close to the origin at the labrum. Treatment is usually non-operative with good outcomes. We report a rare case of a 48-year-old female patient with persistent locking and internal impingement 8 months after a proximal humerus fracture with anterior angulation leading to extra-articular reversed LHB tendon rupture with intra-articular dislocation of the proximal stump. Interposition of the tendon (3.5 cm) between the glenoid and the humeral head was confirmed on MRI arthrogram. Arthroscopic proximal tenotomy and stump removal resulted in immediate relief with improved function (subjective shoulder value 95%; Constant Score: 96). False interpretation of symptoms as posttraumatic stiffness should be avoided by a thorough examination and complementary MRI arthrogram investigation.