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Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare, acquired demyelinating condition predominantly affecting middle-aged women and is characterized by spinal cord inflammation and optic neuritis. Anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibodies are typically seen in NMOSD. However, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) shares clinical and imaging similarities. In NMOSD, longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions (LESCLs), optic neuritis predominantly affecting the posterior aspect of optic nerves, and optic radiations are seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The brain parenchymal lesions particularly involve the dorsal medulla (area postrema). The report presents a case of a 26-year-old female with recurrent episodes of weakness, pain, and sensory symptoms in both upper and lower limbs who was initially treated for multiple sclerosis. Upon experiencing new symptoms of blurred vision and ataxia, an MRI of the spine and brain was performed, which showed short-segment cervical cord involvement and a lesion in the conus medullaris, raising the suspicion of NMOSD. Subsequent antibody testing confirmed the presence of anti-AQP4 antibodies. While the involvement of the conus medullaris is classically associated with MOGAD, unusual findings in the present case highlight the importance of comprehensive imaging evaluation and raising awareness among clinicians and radiologists regarding the imaging spectrum of NMOSD, thus facilitating timely diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.
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OBJECTIVE: Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the brain is a primary neuroimaging modality in emergency patients suspected of having cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). The objective of the study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of Hounsfield unit (HU) values and the ratio of HU to hematocrit value (HU/Htc) in predicting CVST in suspected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, case-control study was done in a tertiary care institute which included 35 patients with CVST constituted as cases and 41 patients without CVST as controls on the basis of magnetic resonance venography (MRV). Non-contrast CT brain of all 76 subjects were assessed by two experienced radiologists independently. HU values of dural venous sinuses were calculated in both groups, and HU/Htc ratio was also determined. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 (SPSS© for Windows, IBM© Corp.) was used for statistical analysis. Independent samples t-test was applied to compare the means of continuous variables. The diagnostic values were computed using the Calculator 1 tool on clinical research calculators tab on vassarstats.net. The predictive values of HU and HU/Htc ratio were estimated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: In CVST group, the mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) value was "75.9±3.9 (mean±SD)", while in control group, it was 57.78±4.65 (mean±SD), p < 0.001. The mean HU/Htc ratio was 1.98±0.42 (mean±SD) in the CVST group and 1.51±0.12 (mean±SD) in the control group (p < 0.001). Optimum cut-off HU value was calculated as 68, with 97% sensitivity and 100% specificity. For HU/Htc ratio, optimum cut-off was calculated as 1.69, yielding 71.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity on the basis of ROC curves. The difference was not statistically significant in hemoglobin and hematocrit (Htc) values between the cases and controls. CONCLUSION: The quantitative measurements like HU value and HU/Htc ratio provide an easily obtainable metric in patients with suspected CVST on non-contrast CT brain, thus enhancing the role of non-contrast CT brain in diagnosing CVST.
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Horseshoe kidney is the most common renal fusion anomaly and is associated with various complications, ranging from infections to neoplasms. While renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most frequent renal neoplasm in adults, its occurrence in a horseshoe kidney is rare, and bilateral involvement is rarer. Furthermore, RCC metastasizing to organs is known and rare sites of metastasis are also documented. The report presents a unique case of bilateral RCC in a horseshoe kidney with synchronous metastasis to the gallbladder, pancreas, and duodenum. This presentation, involving metastasis to these specific organs, is exceedingly uncommon, making it a rarest of rare possibilities. The current case report underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and comprehensive evaluation in patients with horseshoe kidneys, as they may be predisposed to unusual complications like RCC and rare site metastasis.
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BACKGROUND: Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is frequently reported in both sexes. Dynamic magnetic resonance defecography (DMRD) is the preferred modality, mainly due to its superiority and complementary role in clinical examination. However, studies from the perspective of Indian patients are scarce and mostly restricted to females. Thus, we assessed the diagnostic performance of DMRD in patients with PFD and correlated the findings with those on clinical examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, observational study involved 57 adult patients of either sex, presenting with pelvic floor symptoms (PFS) and diagnosed with PFD. Initially, the patients underwent clinical examination, and diagnosis was recorded. Subsequently, the patients were subjected to DMRD. The findings were correlated with the Pearson "r" correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A significantly greater proportion of patients had involvement of multiple compartments (36 vs. 12, p<0.001), cystocele (23 vs. 8, p=0.002), and rectal prolapse (25 vs. 14, p=0.030) on DMRD than clinical examination, while there was no significant difference regarding uterine prolapse (p=0.789). Grading of cystocele and rectal prolapse as well as diagnosis of enterocele/peritoneocele, rectocele, and intussusception could be done only with DMRD. DMRD had a strong and significant correlation with clinical examination regarding cystocele (r=0.943, p=0.003), uterine prolapse (r=0.972, p=0.001), and rectal prolapse (r=0.951, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DMRD demonstrated significantly better performance in the diagnosis of multiple compartment involvement, cystocele, and rectal prolapse. DMRD and clinical examination were significantly correlated regarding the diagnosis of cystocele, uterine prolapse, and rectal prolapse. Thus, DMRD provides information, in addition to the clinical examination, and should be used in symptomatic patients.