The prognostic impact of tumor deposits in colorectal cancer: More than just N1c.

BACKGROUND: The identification of tumor deposits (TD) currently plays a limited role in staging for colorectal cancer (CRC) aside from N1c lymph node designation. The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic impact, beyond American Joint Committee on Cancer N1c designation, of TDs among patients with primary CRC. METHODS: Patients who had resected stage I-III primary CRC diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 were identified from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) stratified by TD status and lymph node (N) status was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. RESULTS: In total, 147,783 patients with primary CRC were identified. TDs were present in 15,444 patients (10.5%). The presence of TDs was significantly associated with adverse tumor characteristics, including advanced pathologic stage, nodal status, and metastasis status. The presence of TDs was associated with worse CSS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.02-3.22), as it was for each given N category (e.g., N2a and TD-negative [HR, 2.50; 95% CI, 2.37-2.64] vs. N2a and TD-positive [HR, 3.75; 95% CI, 3.49-4.03]). The presence of multiple TDs was also associated with decreased CSS for each given N category compared with a single TD (e.g. N2a with one TD [HR, 3.09; 95% CI, 2.65-3.61] vs. N2a with two or more TDs [HR, 4.32; 95% CI, 3.87-4.82]). CONCLUSIONS: TDs were identified as an independent predictor of a worse outcome in patients with CRC. The presence of TDs confers distinctly different CSS and provides important prognostic information among patients with CRC and warrants further investigation as a unique variable in future iterations of CRC staging.

MRI for Rectal Cancer: Updates and Controversies-AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review.

Rectal MRI is a critical tool in the care of patients with rectal cancer, having established roles for primary staging, restaging, and surveillance. The comprehensive diagnostic and prognostic information provided by MRI helps to optimize treatment decision-making. However, challenges persist in the standardization and interpretation of rectal MRI, particularly in the context of rapidly evolving treatment paradigms, including growing acceptance of nonoperative management. In this AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review, we address recent advances and key areas of contention relating to the use of MRI for rectal cancer. Our objectives include: to discuss concepts regarding anatomic localization of rectal tumors; review the evolving rectal cancer treatment paradigm and implications for MRI assessment; discuss updates and controversies regarding rectal MRI for locoregional staging, restaging, and surveillance; review current rectal MRI acquisition protocols; and discuss challenges in homogenizing and optimizing acquisition parameters.

Morphological and morphometric analysis of the Sacral Hiatus using lumbosacral spine CT scans: clinical relevance in Caudal Epidural Analgesia.

BACKGROUND: To conduct a morphological and morphometric analysis of the sacral hiatus (SH) using lumbosacral spine CT scans and to evaluate its clinical relevance in caudal epidural analgesia (CEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 77 lumbosacral spine CT scans from a diverse patient population. The shape of the SH was classified into common types: inverted U, inverted V, irregular, and bilobed. Morphometric measurements included the length, width, and depth at the apex of the SH. The apex level of the SH was also determined in relation to the sacral vertebrae, and statistical analysis was performed to identify any correlation between the apex level and the morphometric dimensions. RESULTS: The most frequent SH shape was inverted U (68.83%), followed by inverted V (20.77%), irregular (9%), and a single instance of a bilobed shape (1.29%). The apex of the SH was most commonly located at the level of the S4 vertebra (75.32%), followed by the S3 vertebra (20.77%), S5 in two (2.59) and S2 in one (1.29%). No significant correlation was found between the level of the apex and the length, width, or depth of the SH. These findings indicate a high degree of anatomical variability in the SH, independent of the apex level. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical variability of the SH, as observed in this study, underscores the need for individualized assessment during CEA. The lack of correlation between the apex level and the morphometric dimensions of the SH highlights the importance of imaging modalities such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy to ensure precise localization and effective analgesia administration. These insights can improve clinical outcomes by enhancing the accuracy and safety of caudal epidural procedures.

Pulmonary mucormycosis as a presentation of COVID 19: Case series.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary Mucormycosis (PM) is a relatively uncommon fungal disease, usually manifested in immunocompromised patients. It has an aggressive course, along with dilemmas in diagnosis and treatment. In view of the surge of Mucormycosis patients in COVID 19 pandemic, clinicians need to consider PM in suspected cases, and act in an expedited manner to avoid misdiagnosis and initiate prompt treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case series, we present four cases of PM with varied presentation, clinical course and discuss management strategies. CONCLUSIONS: A strong suspicion of PM based on epidemiological and clinical findings should be considered, to ensure appropriate and timely treatment. It should be accompanied by judicious use of corticosteroids and aggressive control of comorbid conditions to decrease preventable morbidity and mortality.

Para-aortic Lymph Node Dissection for Colorectal Cancer: Predicting Pathologic Lymph Node Positivity and Optimizing Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: In colorectal cancer, the presence of para-aortic lymph nodes (PALN) indicates extraregional disease. Appropriately selecting patients for whom PALN dissection will provide oncologic benefit remains challenging. This study identified factors to predict survival among patients undergoing PALN dissection for colorectal cancer. METHODS: An institutional database was queried for patients who underwent curative-intent resection of clinically positive PALN for colorectal cancer between 2007 and 2020. Preoperative radiologic images were reviewed, and patients who did and did not have positive PALN on final pathology were compared. Survival analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of pathologically positive PALN on recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Of 74 patients who underwent PALN dissection, 51 had PALN metastasis at the time of primary tumor diagnosis, whereas 23 had metachronous PALN disease. Preoperative chemotherapy ± radiotherapy was given in 60 cases (81.1%), and 28 (37.8%) had pathologically positive PALN. Independent factors associated with positive PALN pathology included metachronous PALN disease and pretreatment and posttreatment radiographically abnormal PALN. On multivariable analysis, pathologically positive PALN was significantly associated with decreased RFS (hazard ratio 3.90) and OS (HR 4.49). Among patients with pathologically positive PALN, well/moderately differentiated histology was associated with better OS, and metachronous disease trended toward an association with better OS. CONCLUSIONS: Pathologically positive PALN are associated with poorer RFS and OS after PALN dissection for colorectal cancer. Clinicopathologic factors may predict pathologic PALN positivity. Curative-intent surgery may provide benefit, especially in patients with well-to-moderately differentiated primary tumors and possibly metachronous PALN disease.

Anatomic Basis of Rectal Cancer Staging: Clarifying Controversies and Misconceptions.

Rectal MRI provides a detailed depiction of pelvic anatomy; specifically, the relationship of the tumor to key anatomic structures, including the mesorectal fascia, anterior peritoneal reflection, and sphincter complex. However, anatomic inconsistencies, pitfalls, and confusion exist, which can have a strong impact on interpretation and treatment. These areas of confusion include the definition of the rectum itself, specifically differentiation of the rectum from the anal canal and the sigmoid colon, and delineation of the high versus low rectum. Other areas of confusion include the relative locations of the mesorectal fascia and peritoneum and their significance in staging and treatment, the difference between the mesorectal fascia and circumferential resection margin, involvement of the sphincter complex, and evaluation of lateral pelvic lymph nodes. The impact of these anatomic inconsistencies and sources of confusion is significant, given the importance of MRI in depicting the anatomic relationship of the tumor to critical pelvic structures, to triage surgical resection and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with the goal of minimizing local recurrence. Evolving treatment paradigms also place MRI central in management of rectal cancer. ©RSNA, 2024.

Complete Ankle Joint that is Tibiotalar and Distal Tibiofibular Coalition Presenting with Foot and Ankle Pain - A Case Report.

Introduction: Coalition is an abnormal, usually congenital, or developmental connection in between or the complete fusion of two bones that are otherwise separate. It is of three types, i.e., synostosis (bony connection), synchondrosis (cartilaginous connection), or syndesmosis (fibrous tissue). Its typical cause is the failure of mesenchymal segmentation and differentiation. Usually, it is seen in tarsal or carpal bones and very rarely in between other bones. Only a single case of a tibiotalar coalition has been reported previously in literature. Herein, we are reporting a case of the talocrural coalition, which is the first one from the Indian sub-continent. Case Report: A 16-year-old moderately built female patient of Indian origin presented with chronic pain of 1-year duration in the right foot and ankle region on weight bearing. The pain was dull aching type, mild-to-moderate in severity and worsened with activity or prolonged walking, and relieved on taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. No relevant history was present. On local examination, diffuse tenderness was present in the ankle and the tarsal bones. Almost negligible dorsiflexion and about 15° plantar flexion of the foot were possible. An initial radiograph of the right ankle revealed osseous fusion between the distal tibia and fibula, as well as between the tibia, fibula, and the dome of the talus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed osseous fusion involving the distal tibia, fibula, and the dome of the talus (both medially and laterally), indicative of talocrural fusion. No edema or inflammation was appreciable in the adjacent tendons or synovium. The patient was explained regarding the pathology and the prognosis. She was managed conservatively and was satisfied. Conclusion: Radiographs play a crucial role in evaluating patients suspected of having a coalition or ankylosis. Complementary tools such as computed tomography and MRI are valuable for a more in-depth assessment of the fusion and aid in surgical planning.

Perioperative and oncological outcomes following robotic en bloc multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer.

AIM: As multidisciplinary treatment strategies for colorectal cancer have improved, aggressive surgical resection has become commonplace. Multivisceral and extended resections offer curative-intent resection with significant survival benefit. However, limited data exist regarding the feasibility and oncological efficacy of performing extended resection via a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to determine the perioperative and long-term outcomes following robotic extended resection for colorectal cancer. METHOD: We describe the population of patients undergoing robotic multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer at our single institution. We evaluated perioperative details and investigated short- and long-term outcomes, using the Kaplan-Meier method to analyse overall and recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: Among the 86 patients most tumours were T3 (47%) or T4 (47%) lesions in the rectum (78%). Most resections involved the anterior compartment (72%): bladder (n = 13), seminal vesicle/vas deferens (n = 27), ureter (n = 6), prostate (n = 15) and uterus/vagina/adnexa (n = 27). Three cases required conversion to open surgery; 10 patients had grade 3 complications. The median hospital stay was 4 days. Resections were R0 (>1 mm) in 78 and R1 (0 to ≤1 mm) in 8, with none being R2. The average nodal yield was 26 and 48 (55.8%) were pN0. Three-year overall survival was 88% and median progression-free survival was 19.4 months. Local recurrence was 6.1% and distant recurrence was 26.1% at 3 years. CONCLUSION: Performance of multivisceral and extended resection on the robotic platform allows patients the benefit of minimally invasive surgery while achieving oncologically sound resection of colorectal cancer.

Metabolic syndrome among apparently healthy adults residing in Delhi: Do vegetarian diets have a protective effect?

Background and Aims: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has reached epidemic levels, mainly attributed to sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and obesity. Improved health is one of the reasons why people adopt a vegetarian diet. There are now sufficient data to support the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. However, the presumed beneficial health effects of a vegetarian diet are still unclear, particularly in the Indian context. This study assesses MetS among healthy urban adults following vegetarian and nonvegetarian diets and explores the protective role of vegetarian diets if any. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 healthy adults (35-60 years). An equal number of vegetarian and nonvegetarian male and female subjects were enrolled as per operational definitions. The prevalence of MetS was based on the NCEP-ATP III criteria. Results: The prevalence of MetS was the same among vegetarians (47.5%) and nonvegetarians (47%, P = 1). Regression analysis showed that the MetS score was significantly associated with age (ß: 0.04, CI: 0.02-0.05, P < 0.001), gender (ß: 0.51, CI: 0.29-0.74, P < 0.001), and physical activity (ß: -0.27, CI: -0.55 to 0.01, P < 0.05). However, there was no significant association found between the prevalence of MetS and the type of diet (ß: 0.13, CI: -0.10 to 0.36, P = 0.261). Conclusions: The study highlights a high prevalence of MetS among healthy urban adults residing in Delhi, India. The data, thus, show that a vegetarian diet did not have any protective impact against MetS, thus highlighting that it is important to consider the variations and quality of the vegetarian diets that negatively affect the body composition and contribute to the development of subsequent risk of developing MetS.

Plantar Fasciitis with Chronic Baxter's Neuropathy Causing Hindfoot Pain - A Case Report.

Introduction: The main differentials of non-traumatic heel pain are plantar fasciitis (PF), plantar heel fat pad atrophy, worn-out footwear, especially asymmetric wear and tear, hyperuricemia, corns, callosities, tumors of the calcaneum, osteomyelitis, calcaneal stress fractures due to overweight or unaccustomed over usage, radiating pain from S1 nerve root compression, and seronegative spondyloarthropathies. Compression of the tibial nerve or the medial calcaneal nerve at or around the flexor retinaculum is the other possibility. In this case report, we want to highlight a sparsely known pathology, caused due to the entrapment of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve or inferior calcaneal nerve, also known as Baxter's nerve that may present independently or accompany the common PF. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or injections of local steroids are typically used for conservative management. However, hydro-dissection or surgical release may be needed in non-responsive cases. Case Report: We present the case of a 57-year-old female with complaints of chronic pain and tenderness in the middle of the heel radiating laterally. She underwent magnetic resonance imaging that revealed chronic denervation changes in the form of marked atrophy and near complete fatty replacement of abductor digiti minimi muscle suggesting chronic Baxter neuropathy. A mildly thickened and hyperintense plantar fascia adjacent to the calcaneal spur and significant heel fat pad edema were seen too. The patient responded well to a local steroid injection and remains pain-free at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: When heel pain is present, Baxter's nerve impingement presents as a challenging clinical diagnosis that may accompany the common PF and is often overlooked. MRI can be used to assess the denervation effects of both the acute and chronic stages of Baxter's nerve impingement by identifying abnormalities of the abductor digiti minimi muscle belly.

Single-cell transcriptomics is revolutionizing the improvement of plant biotechnology research: recent advances and future opportunities.

Single-cell approaches are a promising way to obtain high-resolution transcriptomics data and have the potential to revolutionize the study of plant growth and development. Recent years have seen the advent of unprecedented technological advances in the field of plant biology to study the transcriptional information of individual cells by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). This review focuses on the modern advancements of single-cell transcriptomics in plants over the past few years. In addition, it also offers a new insight of how these emerging methods will expedite advance research in plant biotechnology in the near future. Lastly, the various technological hurdles and inherent limitations of single-cell technology that need to be conquered to develop such outstanding possible knowledge gain is critically analyzed and discussed.

Coexisting bilateral ciliochoroidal effusion syndrome and an isolated cytotoxic corpus callosum lesion in dengue fever.

Dengue fever is a major health concern in India. There are various reports in the literature regarding the ocular manifestations of this febrile illness. We are reporting a rare case of a woman in her late 30s who developed coexisting bilateral ciliochoroidal effusion syndrome with an isolated cytotoxic corpus callosum lesion associated with dengue febrile illness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of its kind. It opens the avenues for neurological and radioimaging attention for such cases with bilateral ciliochoroidal effusion syndrome.

Endoscopic and imaging outcomes of PD-1 therapy in localised dMMR colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade (IO) is emerging as a therapeutic option for patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC) given high pathological response rates. The aim of the study was to characterise imaging and endoscopic response to IO. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with localised dMMR CRC that received at least one cycle of neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy was conducted. Endoscopy, imaging, and pathological outcomes were reviewed to determine response to treatment according to standardised criteria. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients had received IO for the treatment of localised CRC (median eight cycles). Among evaluable cases (n = 31 for endoscopy and n = 34 for imaging), the best endoscopic response was complete response (CR) in 45% of cases, and the best radiographic response was CR in 23% of cases. Imaging CR rate after ≤4 cycles of IO (n = 1) was 6% compared to 44% after >4 IO cycles (n = 7). Among 28 patients with imaging and endoscopy available, a discrepancy in best response was noted in 15 (54%) cases. At a median follow-up of 28.2 months from IO start, 18 patients underwent surgical resection of which 11 (61%) had pathological CR (pCR). Despite pCR or no evidence of progression ≥6 months after completion of IO among non-operatively managed patients, 72% and 42% of patients had non-CR on imaging and endoscopy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Discrepancies between imaging and endoscopy are prevalent, and irregularities identified on these modalities can be identified despite pathological remission. Improved clinical response criteria are warranted.

Bilateral en coup de sabre morphea in a male child: A rare presentation.

En coup de sabre is a rare subtype of morphea. Only a few bilateral cases have been reported to date. We report a case of a 12-year-old male child with two linear brownish depressed asymptomatic lesions over the forehead with hair loss on the scalp. After thorough clinical, ultrasonography and brain imaging, a diagnosis of bilateral en coup de sabre morphea was made and the patient was treated with oral steroids and weekly methotrexate.

Imaging of colon and rectal cancer.

Colon and rectal cancer imaging has traditionally been performed to assess for distant disease (typically lung and liver metastases) and to assess the resectability of the primary tumor. With technological and scientific advances in imaging and the evolution of treatment options, the role of imaging has expanded. Radiologists are now expected to provide a precise description of primary tumor invasion extent, including adjacent organ invasion, involvement of the surgical resection plane, extramural vascular invasion, lymphadenopathy, and response to neoadjuvant treatment, and to monitor for recurrence after clinical complete response.

Key clinical trials in rectal cancer shaping the current treatment paradigms: reference guide for radiologists.

Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), which includes chemotherapy and radiation prior to surgical resection, has been recently accepted as the new standard of care for patients with locally advanced low and mid rectal cancers. Multiple clinical trials have evaluated this approach in the last several decades and demonstrated improvement in, local control and reduced risk of recurrence. In addition, in the course of these investigations, it has been shown that between a third and a half of patients experience a clinical complete response (cCR) after being treated with the TNT approach, leading to the development of new organ preservation protocol, now known as watch-and-wait (W&W). On this protocol, cCR patients are not referred for surgery after total neoadjuvant treatment. Instead, they remain on close surveillance and, thus, avoid potential complications associated with surgical resection. Multiple clinical trials are ongoing, investigating the long-term outcomes of these new approaches and the development of less toxic and more effective TNT regimens for LARC. Improvements in technology and rectal MRI protocols position radiologists as vital members of multidisciplinary rectal cancer management teams. Rectal MRI has become a critical tool for rectal cancer initial staging, treatment response assessment, and surveillance on W&W protocols. In this review, we summarize the findings of the pivotal clinical trials that contributed to establishing the current treatment paradigms in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) management, with the intention of helping radiologists play more effective roles in their multidisciplinary teams.