Haemorrhage and Calcification on Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging : A Quick and Reliable Qualitative Technique for Differentiating Lesions with Ambiguous Phase.

PURPOSE: Haemorrhage and calcification can be qualitatively distinguished on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) using phase information, but it is unclear how to make this distinction in a subset of lesions with ambiguous phase, containing a mixture of positive and negative values. This work investigates the validity of qualitative phase assessment at the cranial or caudal margins in classifying such lesions as haemorrhagic or calcific, when quantitative susceptibility mapping is not available to the neuroradiologist. METHODS: In a retrospective review of magnetic resonance imaging examinations acquired between July 2015 and November 2019, 87 lesions with ambiguous phase which could be confidently determined to be haemorrhagic or calcific were identified. Two blinded neuroradiologists independently classified these lesions as haemorrhagic or calcific using 3 approaches: qualitative phase assessment at the lesions' cranial or caudal margins, dominant phase, and in-plane margins. Combined sensitivities and specificities of these analyses were calculated using a generalised linear mixed model with random effects for reader. RESULTS: Assessment at the cranial or caudal margins achieved a sensitivity of 100% for haemorrhage and calcification, which was significantly superior (p < 0.05) to dominant phase assessment with sensitivities of 52% for haemorrhage (95% confidence interval, CI 43-61%) and 54% for calcification (95% CI 42-66%), as well as in-plane margin assessment with 28% (95% CI 18-38%) and 46% (95% CI 36-56%). CONCLUSION: Haemorrhage and calcification can be reliably distinguished in lesions with ambiguous phase on SWI by qualitative review of the phase signal at the cranial or caudal margins.

Successful "medical" orbital decompression with adjunctive rituximab for severe visual loss in IgG4-related orbital inflammatory disease with orbital myositis.

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an inflammatory condition of unknown etiology that can cause tumefactive lesions in a number of tissues and organs, including the orbit and ocular adnexa. Diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD, including pathology and clinical features and pathology, have been recently proposed. This study presents the first case of unilateral acute visual loss secondary to IgG4-related orbital inflammatory disease with orbital myositis that was complicated by severe compressive optic neuropathy. After initial treatment with pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone, followed by rituximab and radiotherapy, there was a marked improvement in orbital inflammation and clinical and radiological improvement in the compressive optic neuropathy. After 9 months of follow up, the orbital inflammatory disease remained in remission.

Multiplanar reconstruction in adult intussusception: case report and literature review.

We describe the use of computed tomography (CT) with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) in positive diagnosis of a case of enteric intussusception in an adult. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of the use of MPR in this setting. Intussusception in adults is an uncommon cause of bowel obstruction that usually presents with non-specific symptoms. An underlying lesion is found in most cases. Multiplanar reconstruction should be used to confirm the diagnosis of intussusception when suspected on axial views, and should increase the yield of positive diagnoses when used in the assessment of a complex abdominal mass involving the bowel.

Retropharyngeal abscess in children.

BACKGROUND: Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is an uncommon, potentially fatal condition found more frequently in children than adults. Prompt diagnosis and surgical management of this condition is imperative to prevent complications including airway obstruction and mediastinitis. Few studies have been dedicated to paediatric retropharyngeal abscess. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 21 cases of retropharyngeal abscess at the Sydney Children's Hospital over a 12-year period was performed. RESULTS: There were 12 boys and nine girls involved in the analysis. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 12 years. Common -presenting symptoms and signs included fever, dysphagia, neck swelling and torticollis. Respiratory compromise was present in 29% of the children at presentation. Foreign body ingestion accounted for 10% of cases. Seventeen cases were managed with surgical drainage. Surgical approaches adopted included transoral (70%), external cervical approach (20%) and a combined approach in 10%. There was no mortality. Mediastinitis occurred in two patients, one of whom also had recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. No other serious complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Retropharyngeal abscess should be considered in all children presenting with neck pain and dysphagia. Prompt diagnosis and institution of appropriate medical and surgical therapy is imperative to prevent complications such as airway obstruction. The management of this condition should occur in a paediatric institution with appropriate medical, surgical and intensive care -facilities.