The prevalence and topographic distribution of penile calcification in a large cohort: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

The prevalence of penile calcification in the population remains uncertain. This retrospective multicenter study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of penile calcification in a large cohort of male patients undergoing non-contrast pelvic tomography. A total of 14 545 scans obtained from 19 participating centers between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed within a 3-months period. Eligible scans (n = 12 709) were included in the analysis. Patient age, penile imaging status, presence of calcified plaque, and plaque measurements were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationships between calcified plaque, patient age, plaque characteristics, and plaque location. Among the analyzed scans, 767 (6.04%) patients were found to have at least one calcified plaque. Patients with calcified plaque had a significantly higher median age (64 years (IQR 56-72)) compared to those with normal penile evaluation (49 years (IQR 36-60) (p < 0.001). Of the patients with calcified plaque, 46.4% had only one plaque, while 53.6% had multiple plaques. There was a positive correlation between age and the number of plaques (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). The average dimensions of the calcified plaques were as follows: width: 3.9 ± 5 mm, length: 5.3 ± 5.2 mm, height: 3.5 ± 3.2 mm, with an average plaque area of 29 ± 165 mm² and mean plaque volume of 269 ± 3187 mm³. Plaques were predominantly located in the proximal and mid-penile regions (44.1% and 40.5%, respectively), with 77.7% located on the dorsal side of the penis. The hardness level of plaques, assessed by Hounsfield units, median of 362 (IQR 250-487) (range: 100-1400). Patients with multiple plaques had significantly higher Hounsfield unit values compared to those with a single plaque (p = 0.003). Our study revealed that patients with calcified plaques are older and have multiple plaques predominantly located on the dorsal and proximal side of the penis.

Anatomical variations of the circle of Willis in children.

BACKGROUND: The morphology of the circle of Willis in adults has been thoroughly discussed in scientific literature. However, the morphology of the circle of Willis in pediatric patients is under-researched. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to establish reference data for the morphology and variations of the circle of Willis in a population consisting of all pediatric age subgroups and to evaluate the possible temporal evolution of the circle of Willis in pediatric patients along with the variations between pediatric and adult populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our patient cohort included 263 pediatric patients ages 1-215 months. A total of 273 magnetic resonance (MR) angiography images were retrospectively analyzed for all circle of Willis vessels to compare the incidence of complete cases and variation frequency based on gender and age group. RESULT: In our study of 273 MR angiograms from all age ranges in the pediatric population, we found a 56.1% circle of Willis completion rate. Overall completion rates were statistically significantly higher in the toddler and preschool age groups. The lowest completion rate was in the newborn-infant group (40%). CONCLUSION: Circle of Willis completion rates and variations in pediatric populations are similar to those in adult populations; completion rates rise in toddler and preschooler age groups and decline as children grow into the school-age and adolescent period.

Renal leiomyoma: An uncommon differential diagnosis of renal masses in pediatric age.

Leiomyoma is a mesenchymal tumor which arise from any structure or organ containing smooth muscle, but is frequently seen in the female genital tract. Renal leiomyoma is extremely rare benign lesion with low incidence (1:1000), has been reported mostly in adults and very few cases have been described in the pediatric age-group. It is often asymptomatic and can be diagnosed when reaches large sizes. Hereby, we present a case of renal leiomyoma in a smaller size, in the pediatric age group.