Microsievert Wide-Volume Versus Spiral Computed Tomography Using an Automatic Exposure Control System in the Diagnosis of Foreign Body Aspiration in Children.

BACKGROUND: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) in childhood is a life-threatening condition that necessitates prompt management to prevent devastating complications. Different imaging methods are used in the diagnosis of FBA. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value and dose of microsievert wide-volume computed tomography (µSv-WV-CT) with multidetector computed tomography using an automatic exposure control system (MDCT-AEC) in children with FBA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this single-center cross-sectional study, 102 cases diagnosed with FBA between September 2013 and September 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the diagnostic modality used: group A, µSv-WV-CT (2016-2021) and group B, MDCT-AEC (2013-2021). The diagnostic performance and radiation dose of the 2 groups were statistically compared. RESULTS: The diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy) of the 2 groups was similar. The mean effective radiation dose of group A was 34.89 ± 0.01 µSv, which was significantly lower than that of group B (179.75 ± 114.88 µSv) ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In children with suspected FBA, µSv-WV-CT at a lower radiation dose had similar diagnostic performance to MDCT-AEC.

Preparation and Characterization of Nanosuspensions of Triiodoaniline Derivative New Contrast Agent, and Investigation into Its Cytotoxicity and Contrast Properties.

Iodine-based contrast agents have limitations such as rapid clearance, potential renal toxicity, non-specific blood pool distribution, headache, and adverse events. Nowadays, it is quite common to work with nanosized systems in order to eliminate the side effects of contrast agents. This study aims to synthesize a new iodinated contrast agent, prepare its nanosuspension by using the nanoprecipitation method, investigate its cytotoxicity, and compare its contrast properties with iohexol and iopromide through in-vitro experiments. The values of nanosuspension particle size and zeta potential have been found to be ~ 400 nm and ~ (-) 15 mV, respectively. In-vitro cellular viability findings indicated that the nanosuspension has lower cytotoxicity than the iohexol and iopromide. In the computed tomography (CT) imaging study of contrast features of nanosuspensions and two commercial agents, which involved 86 CT examinations using 31 parameters and two different devices, it was found that iodine had a stronger presence in its nanosuspension form than in iohexol and iopromide, which were the other two commercial contrast agents, when used in equal amounts. Thus in the case of nanosuspensions contrast brightness was achieved by using less iodine, while the same brightness could be obtained with higher doses of iohexol and iopromide. CT imaging therefore be done without much chemical use, which indicates that it may witness fewer side effects in the future.

Association of Gallbladder Volume and Wall Thickness With Acute Appendicitis in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasonography in a child with suspected appendicitis is primarily performed to detect inflamed appendix, whereas secondary findings are important in patients with a nonvisualized appendix. The aim of this study is to evaluate the gallbladder wall thickness and volume in patients with suspected appendicitis and search an association between these parameters and appendicitis. METHODS: Between January 2018 and August 2018, 113 patients with suspected appendicitis were included in this prospective study. Gallbladder and right lower quadrant were evaluated in separate sessions by different radiologists. The wall thickness along with the width, length, and height of the gallbladder was measured and recorded for each patient. Assessment of the appendix was classified as acute appendicitis, normal, and equivocal. Statistically significant association was sought between the thickness of the gallbladder wall and diagnosis of appendicitis. RESULTS: Gallbladder wall thickness was significantly higher in patients without appendicitis (P = 0.017), whereas significantly increased gallbladder volume was observed in patients with appendicitis (P = 0.004). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed gallbladder wall thickness threshold of 0.5 mm with a sensitivity of 83.3, specificity of 93.9, and volume threshold of 41.6 mL with a sensitivity of 100 and a specificity of 0.69. CONCLUSIONS: Gallbladder wall thickness and volume measurements were associated with the diagnosis of appendicitis in pediatric patients.

Radiological Findings of Nontraumatic Thrombosed Temporal Artery Aneurysm Mimicking Parotid Gland Mass.

ABSTRACT: A 54-year-old male patient had preauricular swelling mimicking parotid gland mass. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings were showed a connection with the temporal artery. There wasn't a trauma history. The aneurysm wall showed contrast enhancement. The patient was diagnosed with true temporal artery aneurysm. The aneurysm was excised.

A 26-Year-Old Woman with Worsening Dyspnea: Look Closer, Think Critically.

Pulmonary hypertension due to congenital heart disease continues to be a diagnostic challenge despite modern diagnostic modalities. Herein, we report a 26-year-old woman with an incidentally documented patent ductus arteriosus and Eisenmenger syndrome. She presented with progressive dyspnea and exercise intolerance which was initially attributed to pulmonary embolus. She was started on macitentan and tadalafil therapy aiming to reduce the pulmonary vascular resistance with consideration for heart-lung transplantation should any further deterioration occur.

Analysis of correlation between liver fat fraction and AST and ALT levels in overweight and obese children by using new magnetic resonance imaging technique.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Proton density fat fraction (PDFF) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be a useful technique for volumetric measurements of liver fat. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the correlation between liver fat fraction (LFF) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in children who are overweight and obese. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 25 children, aged 9-17 years, were included. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) z-score between 85-95th percentile (12 of 25 patients) were assigned to the overweight group, and those with BMI z-score above 95th percentile (13 of 25 patients) were assigned to the obese group. The control group comprised 12 healthy children with BMI z-score below 85th percentile. Liver fat fraction measurements were performed on 3D volume measurement workstation by using PDFF magnetic resonance (MR) images. Spearman's correlation coefficients between liver fat fraction and AST and ALT levels were evaluated individually for overweight, obese, and control groups. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis was also performed. RESULTS: In the overweight and obese groups, the liver proton density fat fraction and AST levels had a strong correlation (r=0.716, p<0.001). In addition, the LFF and ALT levels demonstrated a strong correlation (r=0.878, p<0.001). ROC analysis ascertained an optimal liver fat fraction threshold of 114 for predicting AST level (sensitivity=75%, specificity=89%). ROC analysis ascertained an optimal LFF threshold of 114 for predicting ALT level (sensitivity=80%, specificity=90%). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a strong correlation between LFF values and AST and ALT levels in children who are overweight and obese.