Deep learning-based segmentation of multisite disease in ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine if pelvic/ovarian and omental lesions of ovarian cancer can be reliably segmented on computed tomography (CT) using fully automated deep learning-based methods. METHODS: A deep learning model for the two most common disease sites of high-grade serous ovarian cancer lesions (pelvis/ovaries and omentum) was developed and compared against the well-established "no-new-Net" framework and unrevised trainee radiologist segmentations. A total of 451 CT scans collected from four different institutions were used for training (n = 276), evaluation (n = 104) and testing (n = 71) of the methods. The performance was evaluated using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and compared using a Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Our model outperformed no-new-Net for the pelvic/ovarian lesions in cross-validation, on the evaluation and test set by a significant margin (p values being 4 × 10-7, 3 × 10-4, 4 × 10-2, respectively), and for the omental lesions on the evaluation set (p = 1 × 10-3). Our model did not perform significantly differently in segmenting pelvic/ovarian lesions (p = 0.371) compared to a trainee radiologist. On an independent test set, the model achieved a DSC performance of 71 ± 20 (mean ± standard deviation) for pelvic/ovarian and 61 ± 24 for omental lesions. CONCLUSION: Automated ovarian cancer segmentation on CT scans using deep neural networks is feasible and achieves performance close to a trainee-level radiologist for pelvic/ovarian lesions. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Automated segmentation of ovarian cancer may be used by clinicians for CT-based volumetric assessments and researchers for building complex analysis pipelines. KEY POINTS: • The first automated approach for pelvic/ovarian and omental ovarian cancer lesion segmentation on CT images has been presented. • Automated segmentation of ovarian cancer lesions can be comparable with manual segmentation of trainee radiologists. • Careful hyperparameter tuning can provide models significantly outperforming strong state-of-the-art baselines.

Determining the Mental Status, Sleep Quality, and Eating Behaviors of University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in adverse effects on individuals' physical and mental health worldwide, with university students also being adversely affected by this process. OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to determine the mental condition, sleep quality, and eating behaviors of university students during the COVID-19 process. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,065 university students. Study data were collected with an online questionnaire including a personal information form, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Dutch Eating Behavior Scale. RESULTS: Students' poor sleep quality was determined to be 69.5%. It was also determined that students' depression and stress levels were moderate that their anxiety levels were low, their eating behaviors were generally problematic, and more than half had poor sleep quality. In addition, eating disorders and poor sleep quality increased as depression, anxiety, and stress levels increased, and eating disorders increased as poor sleep quality increased (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results emphasize the importance of the strengthening of students' mental health, particularly by improving their sleep quality and eating habits. Evidence-based interventions regarding the effects of the pandemic should be made for students under the leadership of a psychiatric nurse, and effective strategies must be developed accordingly.

Does severity of intellectual disability affect the nutritional status of intellectually disabled children and adolescents?

Background: Balanced and adequate nutrition is important to improve the quality of life of children with intellectual disability but most of these children are negatively affected by nutritional problems. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the nutritional status and effect of the severity of intellectual disability on nutritional status of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Methods: One hundred twenty-two intellectually disabled children aged 4-18 years from five different special education and rehabilitation centers were included in the study. Their socio-demographic characteristics, body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and skinfold thickness were examined, and their three-day food consumption record was taken. Results: Anthropometric scores did not differ significantly according to the severity of intellectual disability. According to evaluations made based on the World Health Organization's 2007 percentile curves, 61.4% of the subjects with mild intellectual disability (MID), 57.1% of those with moderate intellectual disability (MOID), and 53.3% of those with severe intellectual disability (SID) were within the normal BMI range for their age. Conclusion: Rates of malnutrition and shortness in children and adolescents with SID were found to be higher than among children with MID and MOID, though the differences were not statistically significant.

A new prognostic marker in patients undergoing Hartmann's procedure for acute tumoral obstruction of the left colon.

BACKGROUND: In acute obstructive left-sided colorectal cancers (AOLCRC), damage to the colon wall may occur as a result of distension of the colon segments proximal to the tumor. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the ratio of dilated colon diameter (CD) to lumbar vertebral corpus diameter on preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan in patients undergoing Hartmann's Procedure (HP) and post-operative complications. METHODS: The tumor group consisted of 49 patients who underwent HP for AOLCRC under emergency conditions. The control group consisted of 49 age-and gender-matched individuals (compatible with tumor group) that had an abdominal CT due to pathologies outside the gastrointestinal tract and without a history of abdominal surgery. In both group, the ratios of the CD to the diameter of the first lumbar vertebra corpus (L1-VD) measured on axial CT images of each patient. These ratios were compared between groups. In the tumor group, the relationship between post-operative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification-major (grade ≥III), minor (grade

Clinically Interpretable Radiomics-Based Prediction of Histopathologic Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma.

Background: Pathological response to neoadjuvant treatment for patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is assessed using the chemotherapy response score (CRS) for omental tumor deposits. The main limitation of CRS is that it requires surgical sampling after initial neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) treatment. Earlier and non-invasive response predictors could improve patient stratification. We developed computed tomography (CT) radiomic measures to predict neoadjuvant response before NACT using CRS as a gold standard. Methods: Omental CT-based radiomics models, yielding a simplified fully interpretable radiomic signature, were developed using Elastic Net logistic regression and compared to predictions based on omental tumor volume alone. Models were developed on a single institution cohort of neoadjuvant-treated HGSOC (n = 61; 41% complete response to NCT) and tested on an external test cohort (n = 48; 21% complete response). Results: The performance of the comprehensive radiomics models and the fully interpretable radiomics model was significantly higher than volume-based predictions of response in both the discovery and external test sets when assessed using G-mean (geometric mean of sensitivity and specificity) and NPV, indicating high generalizability and reliability in identifying non-responders when using radiomics. The performance of a fully interpretable model was similar to that of comprehensive radiomics models. Conclusions: CT-based radiomics allows for predicting response to NACT in a timely manner and without the need for abdominal surgery. Adding pre-NACT radiomics to volumetry improved model performance for predictions of response to NACT in HGSOC and was robust to external testing. A radiomic signature based on five robust predictive features provides improved clinical interpretability and may thus facilitate clinical acceptance and application.

Immature Teratoma with Growing Teratoma Syndrome and Gliomatosis Peritonei Coexistence.

Ovarian germ cell tumours constitute 5% of all ovarian cancers. During the natural course and treatment of these tumours , there may be more unusual cases. One of them is gliomatosis peritonei, which is characterised by the spread of glial cells on the peritoneal surfaces, while the other one is growing teratoma syndrome characterised by the rapid growth of benign component and loss or shrinkage of the malignant component in response to systemic chemotherapy during the treatment of germ cell tumours. Herein, we present a case of coexistence of gliomatosis peritonei and growing teratoma syndrome during the treatment of a 29-year female with immature ovarian teratoma. Key Words: Germ cell tumours , Growing teratoma syndrome, Gliomatosis peritonei, Ovaries.

Serous borderline ovarian tumours: an extensive review on MR imaging features.

Serous borderline ovarian tumours (SBOTs) are an intermediate group of neoplasms, which have features between benign and malignant ovarian tumours and for which, fertility-sparing surgery can be offered. MRI in imaging of SBOTs is, therefore, crucial in raising the possibility of the diagnosis, in order to present the patient with the most appropriate treatment options. There are characteristic MRI features that SBOTs demonstrate. In addition, recent advanced techniques, and further classification into subtypes within the borderline group have been developed. The aim of this article is to review the MRI features of SBOT and provide the reporter with an awareness of the imaging tips and tricks in the differential diagnosis of SBOT.

Diagnostic interpretation of non-contrast qualitative MR imaging features for characterisation of uterine leiomyosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of non-contrast MRI features for characterisation of uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and differentiation from atypical benign leiomyomas. METHODS: This study included 57 atypical leiomyomas and 16 LMS which were referred pre-operatively for management review to the specialist gynaeoncology multidisciplinary team meeting. Non-contrast MRIs were retrospectively reviewed by five independent readers (three senior, two junior) and a 5-level Likert score (1-low/5-high) was assigned to each mass for likelihood of LMS. Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative MRI features was done using uni- and multivariable regression analysis. Inter-reader reliability for the assessment of MRI features was calculated by using Cohen's κ values. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, interruption of the endometrial interface and irregular tumour shape had the highest odds ratios (ORs) (64.00, p < 0.001 and 12.00, p = 0.002, respectively) for prediction of LMS. Likert score of the mass was significant in prediction (OR, 3.14; p < 0.001) with excellent reliability between readers (ICC 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.92). The post-menopausal status, interruption of endometrial interface and thickened endometrial stripe were the most predictive independent variables in multivariable estimation of the risk of leiomyosarcoma with an accuracy of 0.88 (95%CI, 0.78-0.94). CONCLUSION: At any level of expertise as a radiologist reader, the loss of the normal endometrial stripe (either thickened or not seen) in a post-menopausal patient with a myometrial mass was highly likely to be LMS. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study demonstrates the potential utility of non-contrast MRI features in characterisation of LMS over atypical leiomyomas, and therefore influence on optimal management of these cases.

Differentiating uterine sarcoma from leiomyoma: BET1T2ER Check!

Although rare, uterine sarcoma is a diagnosis that no one wants to miss. Often benign leiomyomas (fibroids) and uterine sarcomas can be differentiated due to the typical low T2 signal intensity contents and well-defined appearances of benign leiomyomas compared to the suspicious appearances of sarcomas presenting as large uterine masses with irregular outlines and intermediate T2 signal intensity together with possible features of secondary spread. The problem is when these benign lesions are atypical causing suspicious imaging features. This article provides a review of the current literature on imaging features of atypical fibroids and uterine sarcomas with an aide-memoire BET1T2ER Check! to help identify key features more suggestive of a uterine sarcoma.

Non-contrast MRI can accurately characterize adnexal masses: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of interpretation of a non-contrast MRI protocol in characterizing adnexal masses. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two hundred ninety-one patients (350 adnexal masses) who underwent gynecological MRI at our institution between the 1st of January 2008 and the 31st of December 2018 were reviewed. A random subset (102 patients with 121 masses) was chosen to evaluate the reproducibility and repeatability of readers' assessments. Readers evaluated non-contrast MRI scans retrospectively, assigned a 5-point score for the risk of malignancy and gave a specific diagnosis. The reference standard for the diagnosis was histopathology or at least one-year imaging follow-up. Diagnostic accuracy of the non-contrast MRI score was calculated. Inter- and intra-reader agreement was analyzed with Cohen's kappa statistics. RESULTS: There were 53/350 (15.1%) malignant lesions in the whole cohort and 20/121 (16.5%) malignant lesions in the random subset. Good agreement between readers was found for the non-contrast MRI score (к = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.86) whilst the intra-reader agreement was excellent (к = 0.81, 95% CI 0.70-0.88). The non-contrast MRI score value of ≥ 4 was associated with malignancy with a sensitivity of 84.9%, a specificity of 95.9%, an accuracy of 94.2% and a positive likelihood ratio of 21 (area under the receiver operating curve 0.93, 95% CI 0.90-0.96). CONCLUSION: Adnexal mass characterization on MRI without the administration of contrast medium has a high accuracy and excellent inter- and intra-reader agreement. Our results suggest that non-contrast studies may offer a reasonable diagnostic alternative when the administration of intravenous contrast medium is not possible. KEY POINTS: • A non-contrast pelvic MRI protocol may allow the characterization of adnexal masses with high accuracy. • The non-contrast MRI score may be used in clinical practice for differentiating benign from malignant adnexal lesions when the lack of intravenous contrast medium precludes analysis with the O-RADS MRI score.

Assessment of Cerebral Circulatory Arrest via CT Angiography and CT Perfusion in Brain Death Confirmation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the utility of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) and three different 4-point scoring systems in computed tomography angiography (CTA) in confirming brain death (BD) in patients with and without skull defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two patients clinically diagnosed as BD using CTA and/or CTP for confirmation were retrospectively reviewed. For the final analysis, 86 patients were included in this study. Images were re-evaluated by three radiologists according to the 4-point scoring systems that consider the vessel opacification on 1) the venous phase for both M4 segments of the middle cerebral arteries (MCAs-M4) and internal cerebral veins (ICVs) (A60-V60), 2) the arterial phase for the MCA-M4 and venous phase for the ICVs (A20-V60), 3) the venous phase for the ICVs and superior petrosal veins (ICV-SPV). The CTP images were independently reviewed. The presence of an open skull defect and stasis filling was noted. RESULTS: Sensitivities of the ICV-SPV, A20-V60, A60-V60 scoring systems, and CTP in the diagnosis of BD were 89.5%, 82.6%, 67.4%, and 93.3%, respectively. The sensitivity of A20-V60 scoring was higher than that of A60-V60 in BD patients (p < 0.001). CTP was found to be the most sensitive method (86.5%) in patients with open skull defect (p = 0.019). Interobserver agreement was excellent in the diagnosis of BD, in assessing A20-V60, A60-V60, ICV-SPV, CTP, and good in stasis filling (κ: 0.84, 0.83, 0.83, 0.83, and 0.67, respectively). CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of CTA confirming brain death differs between various proposed 4-point scoring systems. Although the ICV-SPV is the most sensitive, evaluation of the SPV is challenging. Adding CTP to the routine BD CTA protocol, especially in cases with open skull defect, could increase sensitivity as a useful adjunct.

Ultrasound-guided targeted biopsies of CT-based radiomic tumour habitats: technical development and initial experience in metastatic ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE: To develop a precision tissue sampling technique that uses computed tomography (CT)-based radiomic tumour habitats for ultrasound (US)-guided targeted biopsies that can be integrated in the clinical workflow of patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). METHODS: Six patients with suspected HGSOC scheduled for US-guided biopsy before starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in this prospective study from September 2019 to February 2020. The tumour segmentation was performed manually on the pre-biopsy contrast-enhanced CT scan. Spatial radiomic maps were used to identify tumour areas with similar or distinct radiomic patterns, and tumour habitats were identified using the Gaussian mixture modelling. CT images with superimposed habitat maps were co-registered with US images by means of a landmark-based rigid registration method for US-guided targeted biopsies. The dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was used to assess the tumour-specific CT/US fusion accuracy. RESULTS: We successfully co-registered CT-based radiomic tumour habitats with US images in all patients. The median time between CT scan and biopsy was 21 days (range 7-30 days). The median DSC for tumour-specific CT/US fusion accuracy was 0.53 (range 0.79 to 0.37). The CT/US fusion accuracy was high for the larger pelvic tumours (DSC: 0.76-0.79) while it was lower for the smaller omental metastases (DSC: 0.37-0.53). CONCLUSION: We developed a precision tissue sampling technique that uses radiomic habitats to guide in vivo biopsies using CT/US fusion and that can be seamlessly integrated in the clinical routine for patients with HGSOC. KEY POINTS: • We developed a prevision tissue sampling technique that co-registers CT-based radiomics-based tumour habitats with US images. • The CT/US fusion accuracy was high for the larger pelvic tumours (DSC: 0.76-0.79) while it was lower for the smaller omental metastases (DSC: 0.37-0.53).

Utility of brain parenchyma density measurement and computed tomography perfusion imaging in predicting brain death.

PURPOSE: To assess the utility of brain parenchyma density measurement on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) in predicting brain death (BD), in order to evaluate the added value of CT perfusion (CTP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 77 patients who were clinically diagnosed as BD and had both CT angiography (CTA) and CTP imaging in the same session were retrospectively reviewed. On unenhanced phase of CTA, density measurement was performed from 23 regions of interests (ROIs) which were located in the following areas: level of basal ganglia (caudate nucleus, putamen, corpus callosum, posterior limb of internal capsule), level of brainstem, grey- white matters on levels of centrum semiovale (CS), high convexity (HC), and cerebellum. CTP images were evaluated qualitatively and independently. Grey matter (GM), white matter (WM), density, and GM/WM density ratio of BD patients were compared with control subjects. RESULTS: Comparing with the normal control group, the GM and WM density at each level and GM/WM density ratio of CS, HC, and cerebellum level were significantly lower in brain-dead patients (p = 0.019 for HC-WM, p < 0.001 for other areas). Using ROC analysis, the highest value of area under curve (AUC) for the GM/WM density ratio was found at the HC level (AUC = 0.907). The sensitivity of the GM/WM density ratio at the HC level was found to be 90% when the cut-off value of 1.25 was identified. Evaluating the GM/WM density ratio together with the CTP results increased the sensitivity further to 98%. CONCLUSIONS: The GM/WM density ratio at the HC level on unenhanced CT may be a useful finding to predict BD. Also, the addition of CTP increases the sensitivity of this method.

Calyceal diverticulum of the kidney in pediatric patients - Is it as rare as you might think?

OBJECTIVE: Calyceal diverticulum (CD) is rarely diagnosed in children. It mimics other cystic lesions of the kidney and may be very difficult to identify. Displaying the communication of these fluid-filled cavities with the collecting system of the kidney via imaging methods is the key diagnostic method. The purpose of this study is to determine the presence of calyceal diverticulum in pediatric patients followed up due to simple renal cyst and/or parapelvic cyst. MATERIAL, AND METHOD: Patients who were newly diagnosed or being followed up with the ultrasonographic diagnosis of simple cyst(s) or parapelvic cyst(s) in the Department of Pediatric Nephrology of Izmir University of Health Sciences Tepecik Training and Research Hospital between December 2015 and July 2018 were included in the study. Age, gender, admission symptoms, recurrent urinary tract infections, stone disease, trauma history, accompanying urinary system and systemic anomalies, localization, and size of the cyst(s) at admission and during follow-up, treatment type and developing complications were noted. Contrast MR urography was applied to all patients. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients [mean age:132 ± 54.9 (12-228) months] including 25 girls were enrolled in the study. The mean follow-up period was 36. 74 ± 19 (1-90) months. The cysts were located mostly in the right kidney and also in the upper pole of the kidney. The mean cyst size was 20.4 ± 11 (8-58) mm at admission, and comparably 20.3 ± 8.6 (10-45) mm at the end of the follow-up. In contrast MR urography, a total of 16 cases were observed at first glance to be associated with pelvicalyceal system. However, in the postcontrast images taken at the 5th minute it was determined that 9 of them were compatible with calyceal diverticulum. CONCLUSION: Although it is thought that well-circumscribed solitary renal fluid collections may be thought to be a simple renal cyst at first glance, the differential diagnosis of calyceal diverticulum (CD) should be absolutely kept in mind. Contrast studies and late-phase postcontrast images are needed for the diagnosis of CD. Although the standard management of CDs in children is conservative, surgical intervention may be rarely required.

Integration of proteomics with CT-based qualitative and radiomic features in high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients: an exploratory analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between CT imaging traits and texture metrics with proteomic data in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). METHODS: This retrospective, hypothesis-generating study included 20 patients with HGSOC prior to primary cytoreductive surgery. Two readers independently assessed the contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images and extracted 33 imaging traits, with a third reader adjudicating in the event of a disagreement. In addition, all sites of suspected HGSOC were manually segmented texture features which were computed from each tumor site. Three texture features that represented intra- and inter-site tumor heterogeneity were used for analysis. An integrated analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data identified proteins with conserved expression between primary tumor sites and metastasis. Correlations between protein abundance and various CT imaging traits and texture features were assessed using the Kendall tau rank correlation coefficient and the Mann-Whitney U test, whereas the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was reported as a metric of the strength and the direction of the association. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Four proteins were associated with CT-based imaging traits, with the strongest correlation observed between the CRIP2 protein and disease in the mesentery (p < 0.001, AUC = 0.05). The abundance of three proteins was associated with texture features that represented intra-and inter-site tumor heterogeneity, with the strongest negative correlation between the CKB protein and cluster dissimilarity (p = 0.047, τ = 0.326). CONCLUSION: This study provides the first insights into the potential associations between standard-of-care CT imaging traits and texture measures of intra- and inter-site heterogeneity, and the abundance of several proteins. KEY POINTS: • CT-based texture features of intra- and inter-site tumor heterogeneity correlate with the abundance of several proteins in patients with HGSOC. • CT imaging traits correlate with protein abundance in patients with HGSOC.

The Effect of Education Given to Children with Functional Constipation and Fecal Incontinence and Their Mothers on Anxiety and Constipation Management.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the effect of multidimensional training program on children with constipation and fecal incontinence and their mothers on anxiety and their constipation management. METHOD: The study had an experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The intervention group consisted of children diagnosed with functional constipation (n=20) and fecal incontinence (n=21) and their mothers in the Pediatric Surgery Clinic. The control group consisted of healthy (n=20) children who applied to two different Family Health Centers for any reason. Data were collected between February 2016 and June 2017 using a descriptive questionnaire, a nutrient consumption frequency form, the Rome III diagnostic criteria form, and the Trait Anxiety Scale for Children. RESULTS: After the training program, the mean score of the Trait Anxiety Scale for Children decreased in both intervention groups (p<0.01) and increased in the control group (p<0.05). In addition, the frequency of the consumption of milk, caffeinated drinks, and white bread was reduced in the children of both intervention groups after the training program. The consumption of dried legumes, vegetables, and whole wheat bread increased. According to the Rome III diagnostic criteria, it was determined that constipation symptoms were not observed in 50% of the children. CONCLUSION: The training program had a significant influence on the prevention and management of constipation and anxiety. Given that constipation is associated with both physical and mental health outcomes, the approach for the treatment should be holistic in nature, involving a multidisciplinary team.

Differentiation of simple renal parenchymal cyst and calyceal diverticulum.

BACKGROUND: Calyceal diverticulum is the cystic eventration of the upper urinary tract within the renal parenchyma, which gives the first impression of a simple renal cyst and therefore can easily be misdiagnosed. We conducted a study to assess the role of static-fluid magnetic resonance (MR) urography in the differentiation of renal parenchymal cysts and calyceal diverticulum in comparison with focused renal ultrasonography (US). METHODS: Focused renal US, static-fluid, and excretory MR urography studies of 45 children who were admitted to our pediatric nephrology department with a diagnosis of renal cyst were reviewed retrospectively. Excretory MR urography was accepted as gold standard for the diagnosis of calyceal diverticulum. Sensitivity and specificity of focused renal US and static fluid MR urography in the diagnosis of renal calyceal diverticulum were assessed. Interobserver agreement between three radiologists in the diagnosis of calyceal diverticulum on MRI was also evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 29 patients (13 boys and 16 girls) aged between 6-18 years (mean 11.5 ± 4.1). Five calyceal diverticula and 24 solitary renal parenchymal cysts were diagnosed. The sensitivity and the specificity of focused renal US were 40% and 100% in the diagnosis of calyceal diverticulum. The sensitivity and the specificity of static-fluid MR urography were 100% and 91.6%, respectively. The degree of interobserver agreement was excellent for the diagnosis of diverticulum for static-fluid MR urography (κ = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.71-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Static-fluid MR urography can be successfully used in children for the differentiation of renal parenchymal cyst and calyceal diverticulum due to its high sensitivity and specificity, without exposing children to ionizing radiation or intravenous contrast agents.

Utility of the "floating ball sign" in diagnosis of ovarian cystic teratoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of the "floating ball" sign in cross-sectional imaging modalities in patients with ovarian teratoma, and to investigate the relationship between the morphologic features of the teratoma and this sign. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies of 112 women with a pathologic diagnosis of ovarian mature cystic teratoma (MCT) were reviewed for the presence of the floating ball sign. Tumor size, tumor characteristics and the number, size, and characteristics of floating globules were evaluated. RESULTS: In 112 patients (mean age 35.5±16 years, range 5-84 years), 118 ovarian MCTs were diagnosed pathologically. The floating ball sign was demonstrated in cross-sectional imaging in 30 (25.4%) patients. Among 2 of them, MCT was associated with malignancy (squamous cell carcinoma). There was a significant relationship between the floating ball sign, tumor size, and the wall thickness of the tumor (p=0.003 and p=0.018, respectively). In linear regression analysis, a similarly significant relationship was found between the presence of this sign and tumor size and patient age (p=0.003 and p=0.035, respectively). CONCLUSION: The floating ball sign, as a pathognomonic sign for the diagnosis of ovarian teratomas, seems to be more common than is known. Although this sign is almost always seen in MCTs, it may rarely be seen in teratomas with malignant transformation. The relationship of this sign with the characteristics of the tumor can provide an insight into the occurrence of these balls.

Can preoperative magnetic resonance imaging replace intraoperative frozen sectioning in the evaluation of myometrial invasion for early-stage endometrial carcinoma?

OBJECTIVES: To examine the performance of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative frozen sectioning in the assessment of myometrial invasion during the early stages of endometrial cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study employed data from patients with endometrial cancer who were operated on between January 2013 and November 2018. Patients who underwent preoperative MRI and were of FIGO 2009 stage I were included in the study. Radiological staging and intraoperative staging by frozen sectioning were carried out. The data were analyzed to assess agreement of the overall results concerning myometrial invasion. RESULTS: In total, 222 patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 58.3 ± 8.5 years. The accuracy of MRI for the detection of myometrial invasion was 88.7% and its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 91.6%, 82.1%, 92.2%, and 80.9%, respectively, with a kappa coefficient of 0.734 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.684-0.784; p < 0.001). The accuracy of intraoperative frozen sectioning was 94.4%, and its sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 97.7%, 85.7%, 94.7%, and 93.4%, respectively, with a kappa coefficient of 0.856 (95% CI, 0.812-0.900; p < 0.001). No significant difference in accuracy was observed between MRI and frozen sectioning (p = 0.057). MRI and frozen sectioning were sensitive for the detection of myometrial invasion, according to receiver operating curve analyses (areas under the curve, 0.869 and 0.917, respectively; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of myometrial invasion by preoperative MRI and intraoperative frozen sectioning during the early stages of endometrial carcinoma was highly accurate.

Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics and changes in hemostatic agents after partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics of images generated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and changes in the mass-like lesion (MLL) during the follow-up of patients who underwent partial nephrectomy (PN) with the intra-operative use of hemostatic agents (HAs). METHODS: The records of patients who had undergone PN in our clinic due to renal mass between January 2013 and August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Our study included 47 patients who were administered one or more HAs during the PN and who received diffusion and dynamic MRI at the post-operative 2nd/4th Queryand 12th month. RESULTS: MLL is defined as T2 heterogeneous, intermediate-signal intensity bolster-related mass with a pseudocapsule in the renal parenchymal defect. When we looked at the morphological changes of MLL, the mean largest axial dimensions of masses were 27.3 (range 12.2-44.7) mm in the first follow-up period (2nd/4th months) and 21.2 (range 11-44.7) mm in the 12th month follow-up period. The average change in size of MLL was - 0.66 mm/month. We did not see any significant relationship between observation of MLL in the post-operative follow-up MRI images and the use of HAs such as Surgicel®, Spongostan®, and autologous fatty tissue as well as the amount of the agents used in PN operations (p = 0.405, p = 0.159, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The distinction of MLL causing bolster-related mass and granulomatosis tissue from relapse/recurrence can be made based on the change in mass size observed in the MR images and image characteristics.