Using Texture Analysis of Neck Computed Tomography Images to Differentiate Primary Hyperparathyroidism From Normal Controls.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utility of texture analysis in detecting osseous changes associated with hyperparathyroidism on neck CT examinations compared with control patients and to explore the best regions in the head and neck to evaluate changes in the trabecular architecture secondary to hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: Patients with hyperparathyroidism who underwent a 4D CT of the neck with contrast were included in this study. Age-matched control patients with no history of hyperparathyroidism who underwent a contrast-enhanced neck CT were also included. Mandibular condyles, bilateral mandibular bodies, the body of the C4 vertebra, the manubrium of the sternum, and bilateral clavicular heads were selected for analysis, and oval-shaped regions of interest were manually placed. These segmented areas were imported into an in-house developed texture analysis program, and 41 texture analysis features were extracted. A mixed linear regression model was used to compare differences in the texture analysis features contoured at each of the osseous structures between patients with hyperparathyroidism and age-matched control patients. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with hyperparathyroidism and 30 age-matched control patients were included in this study. Statistically significant differences in texture features between patients with hyperparathyroidism and control patients in all 8 investigated osseous regions. The sternum showed the greatest number of texture features with statistically significant differences between these groups. CONCLUSIONS: Some CT texture features demonstrated statistically significant differences between patients with hyperparathyroidism and control patients. The results suggest that texture features may discriminate changes in the osseous architecture of the head and neck in patients with hyperparathyroidism.

Optic pathway involvement in the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report and review of the literature.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiological condition characterized by reversible vasogenic edema of the white matter and acute neurological symptoms. PRES typically affects the parieto-occipital regions but rarely affects the optic pathway. Herein, we describe a case of central-variant PRES in a 57-year-old man with abnormal signal intensities in the optic pathway on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient underwent hemodialysis, initiated diuretics and antihypertensive medications, and the abnormal signal intensities of the brainstem and optic pathway on MRI improved. Although rare, PRES can affect the optic pathway, thus suggesting the possibility of fragility of the optic pathway itself to hyperperfusion.

Spontaneous Cervical Epidural Hematoma Presenting with Respiratory Failure: A Case Report and Literature Review.

CASE: A 62-year-old woman who had an unremarkable medical history presented with sudden headache and neck pain. After the presentation, complete quadriplegia and respiratory arrest developed, and the patient was urgently intubated. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extensive epidural hematoma (EH), and emergency hematoma evacuation was performed. At the 1-year follow-up visit, the patient had no motor deficits. CONCLUSION: We reported a case of spontaneous cervical EH presenting with respiratory failure that was successfully treated with surgical management. Literature review has shown that the surgical outcome is very poor; nevertheless, prompt surgical decompression of the spinal cord can minimize neurological sequelae.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of sclerosing microcystic adenocarcinoma: A case report and review of the literature.

Sclerosing microcystic adenocarcinoma (SMA) is a rare malignant tumor of the salivary glands that closely resembles cutaneous microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC). It was newly listed in the 5th edition of the WHO classification of head and neck tumors. This report describes the case of a 61-year-old woman who presented with masses on the floor of the mouth. The masses showed low signal intensity on T2-weighted images (T2WI) and with low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) revealed a plateau or persistence after rapid initial enhancement. Histopathologically, the tumors comprised small infiltrating strands of cells that formed small ducts and cysts embedded in thick fibrous stroma, consistent with SMA. Low signal intensity on T2WI with a low ADC value and a plateau or persistence after rapid initial enhancement on DCE-MRI reflect the fibrous and cellular components of the tumor and can be considered characteristic MRI findings of SMA.

3D printed kidney model could be an important educational tool for residents.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate whether it is useful for junior physicians to use a three-dimensional (3D) kidney model when evaluating the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An expert and four urology residents retrospectively evaluated the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores of 64 renal tumors (62 patients) that underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy at our hospital. The expert evaluated 64 R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores with computed tomography (CT), whereas four residents evaluated 32 cases using CT alone and the other 32 cases using CT and a 3D kidney model. The consistency between the expert and residents was assessed by Cohen's kappa score. Patient-specific 3D kidney models were created in a gird style using a 3D printer based on CT or magnetic resonance imaging of the patient. RESULTS: For all four residents, the accuracy of the overall R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was significantly higher with the 3D model and CT than with CT alone (P < .001). Regarding the individual components of the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score, the accuracy rates of "E," "N," "A," and "L" scores were higher with the 3D model and CT than with the CT alone (P = .020-.089). CONCLUSION: Patient-specific 3D-printed kidney models could improve the resident's understanding of the renal tumor complexity and could be an important educational tool for residents.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma of the Submandibular Gland: A Case Report.

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) is an uncommon neoplasm strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). LEC of the salivary glands (LECSG) is very rare: the most commonly affected site is the parotid gland, followed by the submandibular gland. This report describes the case of a 58-year-old man who presented with a left submandibular mass that had gradually increased in size over five years. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the mass showed low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, rapid initial enhancement before reaching a plateau on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), and internal septal-like enhancement. Histopathologically, the tumor comprised polygonal or round tumor cells with atypical or pleomorphic nuclei and numerous lymphocytes, separated by heavy fibrosis. Immunohistological findings were positive for AE/AE3, CD20, and EBV-encoded small RNA in situ hybridization (EBER-ISH), consistent with LEC. A low ADC value with rapid initial enhancement before reaching a plateau on DCE-MRI was thought to reflect abundant cellular components with tumor neoangiogenesis, whereas internal septal-like enhancement reflects separating heavy fibrosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing ADC value and DCE-MRI findings of LECSG, and these findings can be considered characteristic MRI findings of LECSG.

Ectopic adrenocortical adenoma in the renal hilum mimicking a renal cell carcinoma.

Ectopic adrenocortical tissue can arise along the path of embryonic migration, such as the celiac axis, broad ligament, adnexa of the testis, and spermatic cord. Occasionally, ectopic adrenocortical tissues undergo marked hyperplasia and develop into ectopic adrenocortical adenomas. This report describes the case of a 60-year-old man who was incidentally found to have a lipid-containing mass with early enhancement and delayed washout in the right renal hilum. A renal cell carcinoma was suspected, and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy was performed, but the final diagnosis was an ectopic adrenocortical adenoma. We should include ectopic adrenocortical adenoma in the differential diagnosis when we find a lipid-containing tumor adjacent to the kidney.

Natural history of asymptomatic renal artery pseudoaneurysm after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the natural history of renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). METHODS: From May 2016 to September 2020, 106 patients underwent RAPN for renal tumors at our institution. Among 100 patients, excluding 6 who were ineligible for contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT), 4 underwent renal artery selective embolization (RAE), of which 2 cases were emergency RAE within 7 days after RAPN and the other 2 were prophylactic RAE 8 or more days after RAPN. In 98 patients examined for the clinical course of asymptomatic RAP managed by surveillance, excluding the 2 who underwent emergency RAE, routine CE-CT was performed at 7 days, 1 month and 3 months after RAPN. Factors influencing the occurrence of RAP among these 98 patients, including the 2 who underwent emergency RAE and excluding the 2 who underwent prophylactic RAE, were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Median [interquartile range (IOR), range] observation period, age, radiographic tumor size, and maximum diameter of RAP were 20.8 (23.9, 3.0-57.6) months, 63 (18, 22-84) years, 23 (11, 9-48) mm, and 6.6 (5.2, 3.0-16.0) mm, respectively. CE-CT detected 28 RAPs in 23 (23.0%) of 100 patients by 7 days after RAPN and routine CE-CT detected 25 RAPs in 21 (21.4%) of 98 patients excluding 2 who underwent emergency RAE at 7 days after RAPN. RAP was diagnosed by routine CE-CT in 21 (21.4%), 1 (1.0%), and 0 (0%) patients at 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months after RAPN, respectively. In univariate analysis, age [odds ratio (OR) 0.144: 69-84 vs. 22-56 years old, P=0.0179], R.E.N.A.L [radius (tumor size as maximal diameter), exophytic/endophytic properties of tumor, nearness of tumor deepest portion to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior descriptor and location relative to polar line] nephrometry score (OR 1.374, P=0.0382), warm ischemic time (OR 1.085, P=0.0393), and renorrhaphy time (OR 1.055, P=0.0408) were significantly associated with the occurrence of RAP. In multivariate analysis, only age (OR 0.124, P=0.0148) was a significant factor. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic RAP up to 15 mm in diameter resolved spontaneously 3 months after RAPN. Young age (under 56 years) may be a factor in the development of RAP.

Combination Laser Treatment With Real-Time Ultrasound Navigation for Oral Venous Malformations.

Vascular lesions, including hemangiomas and vascular malformations, are common benign diseases. More than 50% originate from blood vessels or vascular structures and are locate in the head and neck region. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of a combination of laser treatments for oral venous malformations using ultrasound navigation. This study reports 3 cases of massive vascular malformation in the oral cavity, which were treated by a combination of a multiple spotted transmucosal irradiation technique (the so-called leopard technique) for the superficial layer, and intralesional photocoagulation for the deep layer using a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser, under real-time ultrasound navigation. All cases presented with a venous malformation with multiple blue swellings on the dorsum of the tongue, which had a maximum dimension of over 30 mm. The percent reduction in the size of the lesions was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. All cases showed a decrease in lesion volume of over 80%, without extensive tissue necrosis, 6 to 12 months after the laser treatment. None of the patients experienced any complications, and all were satisfied with the treatment outcome after one irradiation session.The results of this study suggest that laser treatment using ultrasound navigation is a promising approach for the safe and minimally invasive resolution of oral vascular lesions without scarring and loss of normal tissue architecture, sensation, oral function.

Visualization of the greater and lesser occipital nerves on three-dimensional double-echo steady-state with water excitation sequence.

PURPOSE: To investigate the ability of three-dimensional double-echo steady-state with water excitation sequence (3D-DESS-WE) in detecting the greater occipital nerve (GON) and the lesser occipital nerve (LON). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 66 consecutive patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging, including 3D-DESS-WE. Two readers evaluated the detectability [0 (poor) to 3 (excellent)] and thickness of the GON and LON. We calculated the average evaluation scores and interobserver variability for the detectability of the GON and LON. We also calculated the average nerve thickness for each of the two readers and the interobserver reproducibility for the thickness of the GON and LON. The interobserver variability was calculated using a weighted kappa analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the interobserver reproducibility of the nerve thickness. RESULTS: The respective average score, interobserver variability, thickness and interobserver reproducibility were 3.00, excellent (κ = 1.00), 1.07 ± 0.12 mm, and almost perfect (ICC = 0.82) for the GON and 1.81, good (κ = 0.73), 0.84 ± 0.11 mm, and substantial (ICC = 0.78) for the LON. The GON was significantly thicker than the LON (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The 3D-DESS-WE demonstrated excellent visualization of the GON and relatively good visualization of the LON.

Transvenous embolization for a huge pelvic arteriovenous malformation associated with prominent outflow veins.

We describe the case of an adult female with a huge pelvic arteriovenous malformation (AVM) measuring approx. 8 × 10 × 13 cm, treated via the transvenous approach alone. Management of huge pelvic AVMs is challenging; there is no consensus on a standardized treatment strategy. In our patient, multiple arterioles shunted to prominently dilated outflow veins. Selective occlusion of prominent outflow veins as close to the nidus as possible achieved significant flow reduction through the nidus. Our treatment may be a safe and acceptable option to control hematuria for huge pelvic AVMs associated with prominent outflow veins, especially when both transarterial embolization and direct puncture are difficult.

Thyroglossal Duct Carcinoma Originating in the Hyoid Bone.

Thyroglossal duct (TGD) carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor arising from remnants of thyroid tissue or the wall of the duct and generally occurs along the anatomic course of the TGD. TGD carcinoma originating in the hyoid bone is extremely rare but can occur since the TGD penetrates the hyoid bone on rare occasions. This report describes the case of a 30-year-old man with TGD carcinoma originating in the hyoid bone. Computed tomography demonstrated a mass in the hyoid bone that expanded the cortical bone of the hyoid. The mass had a central solid component with calcification and a marginal cystic component. When we encounter a calcified mass in the hyoid bone, we should consider TGD carcinoma among the differential diagnoses.

Using texture analysis of head CT images to differentiate osteoporosis from normal bone density.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use of texture analysis for the detection of osteoporosis on noncontrast head CTs, and to explore optimal sampling regions within the craniofacial bones. METHODS: In this IRB-approved, retrospective study, the clivus, bilateral sphenoid triangles and mandibular condyles were manually segmented on each noncontrast head CT, and 41 textures features were extracted from 29 patients with normal bone density (NBD); and 29 patients with osteoporosis. Basic descriptive statistics including a false discovery rate correction were performed to evaluate for differences in texture features between the cohorts. RESULS: Sixteen texture features demonstrated significant differences (P < 0.01) between NBD and osteoporosis in the clivus including 4 histogram features, 2 gray-level co-occurrence matrix features, 8 gray-level run-length features and 2 Law's features. Nineteen texture features including 9 histogram features, 1 GLCM features, 2 GLRL features, 5 Law's features and 2 GLGM features demonstrated statistically significant differences in both sides of the sphenoid triangles. A total 24 texture features demonstrated statistically significant differences between normal BMD and osteoporosis in the left sphenoid and a total of 31 texture features in the left condyle. Furthermore, a total of 22 texture features including 6 histogram features, 3 GLCM features, 9 GLRL features, 2 Law's features and 2 GLGM features demonstrated statistically significant differences in both sides of the mandibular condyles. CONCLUSION: The results of this investigation suggest that specific texture analysis features derived from regions of interest placed within multiple sites within the skull base and maxillofacial bones can distinguish between patients with normal bone mineral density compared to those with osteoporosis. This study demonstrates the potential utility of a texture analysis for identification of osteoporosis on head CT, which may help identify patients who have not undergone screening with traditional DXA.

Transcatheter Proximal Coil Blocking with n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate Injection via the Pulmonary Artery Alone for Rasmussen's Aneurysm.

Rasmussen's aneurysm is a peripheral pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm (PAP) within a tuberculosis cavity. Because it can be perfused from the bronchial and pulmonary arterial circulations, combined embolization via the bronchial and pulmonary arteries is sometimes required. Herein, we present case of a 51-year-old man with Rasmussen's aneurysm that was successfully treated by proximal coil blocking with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) injection via the pulmonary artery alone. With proximal coil blocking, a sufficient amount of NBCA could be injected without unintended reflux of the NBCA cast to the proximal pulmonary artery. To our knowledge, there has been no report that attempted NBCA injection under proximal coil blocking for Rasmussen's aneurysm. Our treatment approach may be safe and effective for infectious lung disease-related PAP, which has to be treated from the pulmonary artery side.

A modified preauricular and transmandibular approach for surgical management of osteosarcoma of the mandibular condyle within the masticator space and infratemporal fossa: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcomas of the head and neck region are rare entities that comprise < 10% of all osteosarcomas. Multimodality treatment of patients with osteosarcoma is well-established for osteosarcoma in long bones, and the benefits of chemotherapy in long bones are clearly known. However, there is no consensus regarding the effects of chemotherapy in cases of head and neck osteosarcoma. The prognostic factor for head and neck osteosarcoma is complete tumor resection with negative margin, which is a radical surgery. However, a clear margin may be difficult to achieve in the head and neck region. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 69-year-old Japanese woman who developed osteosarcoma of the condyle within the masticator space and infratemporal fossa, which was treated with radical surgery using a modified preauricular and transmandibular approach. Although we recommended adjuvant treatment after surgery, the patient refused this treatment. There was no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis through 30 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified preauricular and transmandibular approach allowed access to the masticator space and infratemporal fossa, thereby increasing complete resection of the tumor and resulting in minimal functional and cosmetic deficits.

Medial meniscal extrusion and spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee.

PURPOSE: Causes of spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) have not been clearly elucidated. This study investigated the relationship between medial meniscal extrusion and SONK. METHODS: We reviewed 108 SONK knees and determined their Aglietti stage. Meniscal extrusion is defined when it extends beyond the medial margin of tibial plateau and osteophytes are excluded for determining the margin. Both absolute extrusion (AE) and relative percentage of extrusion (RPE) were measured, and meniscal tear patterns were evaluated in the early stages of SONK (I and II). RESULTS: All knees had meniscal extrusion. Stage I was detected in 39 knees; II, in 23; III, in 16; IV, in 18; and V, in 12. The mean AE and RPE were 4.2 mm and 42% in stage I, 5.0 mm and 52% in stage II, 6.8 mm and 71% in stage III, 7.0 mm and 69% in stage IV, and 7.8 mm and 80% in stage V, respectively. The knees in the early stages showed less AE and RPE than those in late stages IV (p < 0.05) and V (p < 0.01). Additionally, the level of AE (ρ = 0.63, p < 0.0001) and RPE (ρ = 0.58, p < 0.0001) correlated with the SONK stage. Of knees with early-stage SONK, 12 knees had no tear, 26 had horizontal tears, 1 had longitudinal tear, 6 had degenerative tears, 2 had radial tears, 1 had complex tear, and 14 had root tears. Neither AE nor RPE differed significantly among tear patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Meniscal extrusion was recognized even in early stages, with a significant correlation between the SONK stage and extrusion. Although the most frequent tear pattern in early-stage SONK was horizontal tear, 12 knees had meniscal extrusion with no tears. Therefore, meniscal extrusion, which indicates meniscal dysfunction, may be a cause of SONK and be related with the developmental stage of SONK.

Otosclerosis and Dysplasias of the Temporal Bone.

Many bone dysplasias, some common and others rare, may involve the temporal bone causing conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, or skull base foraminal narrowing, potentially affecting quality of life. Some conditions may affect only the temporal bone, whereas others may be more generalized, involving different regions of the body. High-resolution computed tomography may detect subtle osseous changes that can help define the type of dysplasia, and MR imaging can help define the degree of activity of lesions and potential associated complications.

Using CT texture analysis to differentiate between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and age-matched adenoid controls.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use of texture analysis to quantitatively distinguish nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from normal adenoid on CT. METHODS: In this IRB-approved, retrospective study, nasopharyngeal tissues in 13 patients with NPC and 13 control patients were manually contoured, segmented, and imported to an in-house developed texture analysis program, which extracted 41 texture features. Basic descriptive statistics were performed to evaluate for differences in texture parameters between NPC and controls. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between NPC and controls were seen in 32 of 41 texture features. These significant differences were present in 11 of 12 histogram features, 4 of 5 gray-level co-occurrence matrix features, 7 of 11 gray-level run length features, 4 of 4 gray-level gradient matrix features, and 6 of 9 Laws features. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in many texture features were seen between NPC and normal adenoids. CT texture analysis may aid in differentiating NPC from normal adenoid tissue.

Mandibular Osteitis Leading to the Diagnosis of SAPHO Syndrome.

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a disorder characterized by pustular skin lesions and osteoarticular lesions. Mandibular involvement of SAPHO syndrome is clinically rare, and it is difficult to reach a diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome from only mandibular manifestations. This report describes the case of a 26-year-old woman who presented with mandibular osteitis. Orthopantomogram and computed tomography showed sclerotic change of the right body of the mandible with periosteal reaction without odontogenic infection, which suggested the possibility of SAPHO syndrome. Detailed medical interview found that she had a history of palmoplantar pustulosis treated at a local dermatology clinic and additional bone scintigraphy showed diffuse increased uptake in the right mandible, as well as in the sternum and the sternocostoclavicular joints. She was eventually diagnosed as having SAPHO syndrome. We should consider SAPHO syndrome when we encounter a patient with mandibular osteitis of unknown etiology.