Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a frequent complication after femoral neck fracture surgery, with reported incidence rates of 6–19
Introduction. Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) / chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an indolent lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by accumulation of mature but dysfunctional B lymphocytes. Aortic complications have been occasionally reported in lymphoma, most often in aggressive subtypes, while they are extremely rare in SLL/CLL. The aim of this report was to present a case of recently developed ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient with SLL and its successful hybrid endovascular management. Case outline. A 58-year-old male with SLL/CLL presented with lower back and right flank pain. Initial computed tomography scan (CT) demonstrated marked progression of lymphadenopathy and interval enlargement of the infrarenal aortic diameter compared to prior imaging, remaining below the aneurysmal threshold. Due to persistent symptoms and elevated inflammatory markers, further imaging was performed. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine and subsequent CT angiography revealed a newly developed saccular aneurysm of the infrarenal abdominal aorta with retroperitoneal hematoma and surrounding lymph node conglomerates. The patient underwent urgent endovascular repair using an aorto-uniiliac stent graft with contralateral iliac occlusion, combined with femoro-femoral crossover bypass. Postprocedural imaging confirmed successful exclusion of the lesion without endoleak. Conclusion. This case highlights a rare vascular complication of SLL/CLL and suggests a possible role of lymphomatous infiltration and inflammation in aortic wall weakening. Hybrid endovascular treatment represents an effective therapeutic option.
Objectives: To investigate the impact of compressed sensing - sensitivity encoding (CS-SENSE) acceleration factor on the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within standard female pelvis protocol in patients with endometrial cancer. Methods: T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence from standard female pelvic MRI protocol was chosen due to its long acquisition time and essential role in the evaluation of morphological characteristics of the female pelvic anatomical structures. Fully sampled reference scans and multiple prospectively 2x to 5x under-sampled CS-SENSE scans were acquired. Retrospectively, under-sampled scans were compared to fully sampled scans and visually assessed for image quality and diagnostic quality by two independent radiologists dedicated to urogenital imaging with different experience levels. Results: Images obtained with CS-SENSE accelerated acquisition were of diagnostically acceptable quality at up to 3x acceleration for T2 TSE in both axial and sagittal planes (with an acquisition time reduction of 64 %). Among all evaluated uterine structures, the junctional zone proved to be most sensitive to the influence of the acceleration factor. Statistical analysis showed statistically significant differences between image interpretation qualities between two radiologists of different experience levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CS-SENSE accelerated T2 TSE sequence of the female pelvis shows image quality similar to that of conventional acquisitions with reduced acquisition time. CS-SENSE can moderately reduce scan time, providing many benefits without losing the image quality.
Carotid artery stenting with single-layer stents carries a risk of periprocedural cerebral embolization compared to carotid endarterectomy. Dual-layer micromesh stents were designed for improved plaque coverage and sustained embolic protection. This analysis aimed to confirm the Roadsaver dual-layer micromesh stent safety in a real-world carotid artery stenting cohort. ROADSAVER was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, observational study. Patients with carotid artery stenosis, eligible for elective stenting, were enrolled at 52 sites across 13 European countries. All procedures followed standard practice. The primary outcome was the 30-day major adverse event rate, defined as the cumulative incidence of any death or stroke. All deaths, strokes, and carotid artery revascularizations were independently adjudicated. In total, 1965 patients were analysed (mean age 70.6 ± 8.8 years). Cerebral ischaemia symptoms were present in 49.4% of participants. Radial/ulnar access was used in 26.3% of cases and embolic protection in 63.8%. The 30-day major adverse event incidence was 2.2% (1.6% in asymptomatic and 2.8% in symptomatic patients), with any stroke at 1.9%, any death at 0.8%, and stroke-related death at 0.5%. Predictors of higher 30-day major adverse event risk, identified through multivariable modelling, included residual stenosis ≥ 30%, thromboembolic venous disease, previous myocardial infarction, age ≥ 75 years, family history of atherosclerosis, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, symptomatic carotid stenosis, and stent length. Dual-layer micromesh carotid artery stenting is safe, with a low 30-day major adverse event incidence in real-world asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, supporting the sustained embolic protection design concept. Level 2, observational study (with dramatic effect).
Introduction. Carotid artery pseudoaneurysms can refer to pseudoaneurysms involving any segment of the carotid arteries. Post?traumatic internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm dilatation due to intimal transection is extremely rare entity that requires detailed clinical examination and multiple diagnostic modalities to confirm the diagnosis. The aim of the study is to present rare entity of posttraumatic extracranial internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm dilatation due to intimal transection, diagnostic algorithm and diagnostic findings. Case Report. The patient was a 30-year-old, previously healthy, female who came to see a cardiologist due to intermittent tachycardia, which first appeared a week before the examination. Duplex ultrasound was performed, and aneurysm of extracranial segment of internal carotid artery was found. The patient had severe neck trauma due to bicycle accident in childhood, which was treated at home, without medical examination. Further computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography were performed. All imaging findings were in favor of chronic arterial wall small pseudoaneurysmal dilatation, with intimal transection, without signs of acute trauma. Based on the above, a decision was made to continue conservative treatment in accordance with the recommendations of current guidelines. Periodic clinical diagnostic follow-up was performed. After the applied therapy, the complaints in terms of intermittent tachycardia disappeared completely. Conclusion. Formation of extracranial internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm due to intimal transection is a rare entity, and requires multiple imaging findings in order to evaluate if the trauma is acute or chronic. In most cases, chronic pseudoaneurysm does not require surgical intervention. It requires conservative medical treatment and diagnostic follow-up.
Introduction. Embolization into the systemic circulation through the persistent foramen ovale is known as paradoxical embolization. Coexistence of paradoxical embolism with pulmonary thromboembolism is rare and it requires detailed examination. The objective of this study was to present an unusual case of stroke that was complicated by the occurrence of pulmonary thromboembolism, with thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery, and arterial infarction of numerous visceral organs, a few days after its onset. Case Report. A 60-year-old female patient was admitted to the Emergency Center with clinical symptoms of acute ischemic stroke, with sudden left hemiparesis. Computed tomography showed a fresh ischemia in the basin of the right anterior cerebral artery. The initial clinical course was favorable, with gradual regression of neurological symptoms. On the seventh day of hospitalization, the patient presented with a sudden worsening of symptoms. Computed tomography confirmed multiple infarctions of the liver, spleen and both kidneys, partial thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery, as well as thrombosis of both pulmonary arteries and two fresh ischemic zones, namely right temporal and parieto-occipital, cortico- subcortical. A persistent foramen ovale was found by transesophageal echocardiography, which also confirmed the existence of an atrial septal aneurysm. In the further course, there was an improvement of symtoms. The patient was referred for further rehabilitation therapy. A surgical closure of persistent foramen ovale was indicated. Conclusion. Paradoxical embolism remains a pathology rarely mentioned by clinicians, although it can affect the functional and vital status and prognosis of the patient. Good cardiac evaluation and detection of persistent foramen ovale in every patient with embolic ischemia is of great importance.
Introduction. Kallmann syndrome is a genetic disorder marked by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia. Patients with Kallmann syndrome have low circulating testosterone levels and low gonadotropin levels, whereas other pituitary hormones are normal. The treatment is based on sex steroid replacement with the aim to restore normal pubertal development and includes attempts to restore fertility by using gonadotropin-releasing hormones. Ultrasound examination of the testicles is a very useful complement to determine and monitor the precise testicular volume, which is an important prognostic factor for future fertility. Case Report. At the age of 18, the patient was suspected of having Kallmann syndrome and was referred to an endocrinologist. After three months of testosterone therapy, the patient was sent for an ultrasound of the testicles. The right testicle measured 16 x 6 mm, the left testicle 10 x 5 mm, both with a discrete marginal circular dichroism signal. One year after the first testicular ultrasound, the patient came for a checkup. The right testicle measured 14 x 5 mm, the left testicle 11 x 5 mm, stationary structure. Conclusion. The diagnosis of Kallmann syndrome is often delayed, because hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is usually not apparent until puberty, and individuals with anosmia are often unaware of this sensory deficit. In this case, late recognition of the syndrome, as well as late initiation of therapy, did not give satisfactory results.
Background/Aim. Functional imaging, including diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI MRI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, provides promising results in discrimination benign from malignant pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes in patients with gynecological malignancies. The aim of the study was to assess diagnostic performances of DWI in differentiation between benign and malignant pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes in patients with gynecological malignancies. Methods. The prospective clinical study was conducted at the Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Serbia, from 2013 to 2016, comprising 80 patients with malignant gynecological tumors. Preoperatively, all patients underwent MRI examination, followed by standard surgical treatment with complete pelvic and/or inguinal lymphadenectomy. A combination of ADC value criteria and size-based criteria yields MRI the following diagnostic performances in discrimination between benign and malignant lymph nodes: sensitivity 95%, specificity 92%, overall accuracy 92.5%, positive predictive value 46%, and negative predictive value 99.6%. Histopathological examination of surgically removed material and lymph nodes separated in pelvic and inguinal anatomic groups was performed after the surgery. Results. A total of 2,320 lymph nodes were mapped and histopathologically examined in 80 patients included in the study. Metastases in lymph nodes were histopathologically confirmed in 28 (35%) patients. Measured ADC values were significantly lower in metastatic (mean ? standard deviation (SD), ADC: 0.8725 ? 10-3 ? 0.0125 ? 10-3 mm2/s) than benign lymph nodes (mean ? SD, ADC: 1.116 ? 10-3 ? 0.1848 ? 10-3 mm2/s; p = 0.001). If ADC value of 0.860 ? 10-3 mm2/s was determined as a cut-off value for discrimination between benign and malignant lymph nodes, DWI sensitivity was 89%, specificity 85%, and overall accuracy was 86%, positive predictive values 30%, and negative predictive value 99%. Conclusion. DWI MRI sequence is a fast, simple, non-invasive method that aids significantly to MRI diagnostic performances in dis-crimination between benign and malignant pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes.
Introduction/Objective. Coagulopathy induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (SARS-CoV-2) can be an underlying cause of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), a less common type of stroke with a variable clinical presentation and high mortality rate. The objective of the paper is to present a series of CVST cases associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods. This retrospective study evaluated clinical, laboratory and radiological presentations, risk factors, barriers to diagnosis, treatment and outcome of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced CVST. Results. The study comprised six patients diagnosed with COVID-19-induced CVST during an 18-month period. The majority (66.7%) had no significant risk factors for developing CVST. The median time from the initial COVID-19 diagnosis to the onset of neurologic deficit was seven days (interquartile range 0.5?7 days). Clinical presentation comprised non specific neurological symptoms: headache (83.3%) and decreased consciousness (33.3%), together with elevated levels of D-dimer and inflammatory biomarkers. The transverse (n = 4, or 66.7%), superior sagittal sinuses (n = 3, or 50%) and sigmoid sinus (n = 2, or 33.3%) were most commonly affected. Five patients (83.3%) had minimal to no symptoms at discharge (mRS ? 2). In-hospital mortality in our current series was relatively high (16.7%). Conclusion. The high mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2-associated CVST urges clinicians to suspect CVST in patients with a history of COVID-19 infection presenting with non-specific neurological symptoms in order to provide proper treatment and prevent complications.
Introduction. Abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter is one of the most important parameters in the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for aneurysm follow-up. Currently, two therapeutic modalities are used: open surgery and endovascular aortic repair. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of the maximum transverse diameter of the abdominal aortic aneurysm on the incidence of general and specific complications. Material and Methods. The retrospective study included 75 patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent endovascular aortic repair in the period from July 2008 to January 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: group A with an abdominal aortic aneurysm size ? 5.9 cm, and group B with an abdominal aortic aneurysm size ? 6.0 cm. Results. A total of 41.3% of patients presented with a maximum transverse aneurysm diameter of ? 5.9 cm, and 58.7% of patients had ? 6.0 cm. Of comorbid diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was more prevalent in patients with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm (group A 25.8%; group B 59.1%). None of the other comorbidities showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients. Early complications were present in a total of 14.7% of patients, of which 12.9% of patients with a small and 15.9% with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm. Late complications occurred in a total of 18.7% of patients, in 9.7% of patients with a small and 25% of patients with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm. Conclusion. Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms with a maximum transverse diameter of 6 cm and larger, present with a higher rate of late postoperative complications, increase in aneurysmal sac on control multislice computed tomography angiography, and have a worse prognosis compared to patients with smaller abdominal aortic aneurysms.
PURPOSE:To investigate the impact of compressed sensing - sensitivity encoding (CS-SENSE) acceleration factor on the diagnostic quality of magnetic resonance images within standard brain protocol. METHODS:Three routine clinical neuroimaging sequences were chosen for this study due to their long acquisition time: T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE), fluid - attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and 3D time of flight (TOF). Fully sampled reference scans and multiple prospectively 2x to 5x undersampled CS scans were acquired. Retrospectively, undersampled scans were compared to fully sampled scans and visually assessed for image quality and diagnostic quality by three independent radiologists. RESULTS:Images obtained with CS-SENSE accelerated acquisition were of diagnostically acceptable quality at up to 3x acceleration for T2 TSE (average qualitative score 3.53 on a 4-point scale, with the acquisition time reduction of 64%), up to 2x for FLAIR (average qualitative score 3.27, with the acquisition time reduction of 43%) and 4x acceleration for 3D TOF sequence (average qualitative score 3.13, with the acquisition time reduction of 73%). There were no substantial differences between the readers' diagnostic quality scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:CS-SENSE accelerated T2 TSE, FLAIR, and 3D TOF sequences of the brain show image quality similar to that of conventional acquisitions with reduced acquisition time. CS-SENSE can moderately reduce scan time, providing many benefits without losing the image quality.
Introduction. Epididymal torsion is a rare cause of acute scrotum. Only a few cases have been described in the literature, and preoperative ultrasound diagnosis was done only in two cases. So far, according to our data, cases of epididymal torsion in adults have not previously been reported in the literature. Case Report. We report the case of a 39-year-old man, who was admitted to the hospital for pain in the left hemiscrotum lasting for three days. The physical examination revealed a swelling limited to the left hemiscrotum, so the patient was referred for an ultrasound examination with the diagnosis of epididymitis. The ultrasonography showed that the left epididymis was significantly enlarged in the head area with and heterogeneous structure of the parenchyma on a grayscale, without a significant Color Doppler signal. At the level of the neck and the body of the epididymis, there was a ?whirlpool sign? with a reactive hydrocele and edema of the left scrotum soft tissue that was highly suspicious for torsion of the epididymis. The patient underwent emergency surgery and epididymal torsion of about 540 degrees was confirmed intraoperatively. Conclusion. The torsion of the epididymis should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of acute scrotal pain in adults.
Introduction Infectious or non-infectious noxae may occur in drug-addicted patients who have clinical presentation of meningeal syndrome with a spectrum of possible complications, such as a diffuse or focal brain lesions. The objective of this report is to present a rare case of a drug-addicted male patient, initially suspected of mycosis of the central nervous system, but computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the signs of an invasive neurosurgical operation that the patient underwent during the treatment of drug addiction. Case outline A 37-year-old male patient was hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, with a meningeal syndrome, initially suspected of mycosis of the central nervous system. He was diagnosed at the Center for Radiology. Neuroimaging - CT and MRI were used in order to prove or disprove the presence of brain infection. These diagnostic procedures ruled out the presence of brain infection, but opened questions about the type of neurosurgical treatment performed out of legal institution, due to the presence of craniotomy and focal glial brain lesions in the frontal lobes. Conclusion In drug-addicted patients, meningeal syndrome can be connected with diffuse or focal brain infections. Together with laboratory and clinical analysis, imaging methods contribute to the decision making and optimal treatment of patients. In our case, CT and MRI made a significant contribution in the detection of the focal brain lesions and clarification of their etiology.
Introduction. Imaging is essential in the assessment of endovascular infrarenal abdominal aortic repair results. Complications include endoleaks, graft migration, kinking and infolding, stenosis, occlusion, and secondary ruptures. Examination Modalities. Contemporary imaging strategies are based on using noninvasive imaging modalities. After endovascular infrarenal abdominal aortic repair, the standard evaluation modality is computed tomography angiography, whereas additional modalities include magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and radiography. However, although an invasive imaging method, digital subtraction angiography is still performed in some patients. Computed tomography angiography provides excellent contrast, spatial resolution, and exact measurements of structures of interest, which is essential in the follow-up. Follow-up Protocol. Currently recommended follow-up protocol in the first year is contrast- enhanced computed tomography imaging at 1 and 12 months after the procedure. Conclusion. Due to its characteristics, reproducibility and availability, computed tomography angiography remains the cornerstone diagnostic modality of post-procedural assessment in patients with endovascular infrarenal abdominal aortic repair.
Introduction. The aorta is a major blood vessel that supplies all segments of the human body. Acute aortic syndrome is a term that implies a life-threatening aortic disease. Due to the speed of examination and widespread availability, computed tomography angiography is a front-line diagnostic modality for emergencies and diseases of the abdominal aorta. The aim of this study was to provide a wide range of potentially life-threatening abnormalities of the abdominal aorta in daily clinical and radiological practice through a series of computed tomography angiography images and three-dimensional virtual reconstruction. Abdominal aortic aneurysm is defined as a 50% increase in diameter more than the normal arterial diameter. One of the most important complications of an aneurysm is a rupture that can be acute or chronic, presenting with various clinical manifestations. Aortic dissections are caused by abnormality of the tunica media layer, forming an intimal-medial flap and two types of lumen. A penetrating aortic ulcer may erode through the internal elastic lamina of the aortic wall and allow formation of hematoma within the tunica media. Occlusive disease of the abdominal aorta may refer to the late stage of chronic aortoiliac occlusive disease, whereas the acute and/or subacute form occurs due to sudden thrombosis or occlusion. Conclusion. The recognition of specific radiological signs of abdominal aortic disease using computed tomography angiography contributes to optimal treatment of patients and reduces mortality.
Introduction. Chronic subdural hematoma has become an important entity in radiological, neurological and neurosurgery practice. Classification. The classification of chronic subdural hematoma is most often done in relation to the time of the disease onset (acute, subacute and chronic), whereas the second classification is based on hematoma density using computed tomography. Clinical presentation. The clinical presentation may mimic a spectrum of various diseases and chronic subdural hematoma can be easily overlooked without radiological verification. Diagnosis. The diagnosis of chronic subdural hematoma is partly clinical and partly radiological. In most cases, computed tomography is the initial diagnostic method for detection of this disease. Many studies point to different management strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Therapy. The therapy of chronic subdural hematoma depends on the patient?s neurological deficit, but generally it is divided into conservative and surgical treatment. Conclusion. The aim of this paper is to review chronic subdural hematomas with reference to their clinical and radiological characteristics for better understanding of these phenomena.
Introduction. Images of computed tomography, computed tomography angiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography are usually stored in Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine standard formats, which can be used later for processing and making three dimensional models and objects. The three dimensional printing has become increasingly popular in various fields of medicine. The purpose of this article was to present the workflow for three dimensional printing of medical models and to point out potential significance of three dimensional model printing in clinical practice and in training of medical students and residents. This type of approach may open new perspectives in communication and interaction between clinicians, radiologists and patients, in order to achieve better treatment results. Material and Methods. Images of an injured knee in digital imaging and communication in medicine format were used for creation of a three dimensional printed model. Digital imaging and communication in medicine files were without sensitive information on the patient using three dimensional Slicer software, then processed with embodi three dimensional cloud service, further prepared with MeshLab and printed on a Ultimaker 2 printer. Results and Discussion. A three dimensional model of an injured knee was printed and presented. The model was used for the evaluation of tibial fractures. It may be shown to the patient and also to the surgeon in order to be more specific about the treatment procedure. Application of three dimensional printing in medicine was discussed. Conclusion. Medical three dimensional printing is likely to play a more important role in the clinical practice, not only for surgical planning, but also in the education of students and residents in different medical branches. This three dimensional plastic model of an injured knee may serve as a good example of the potentials of the three dimensional printing technology in medicine.
Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Acute ischemic stroke is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the world. Intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator remains the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke for any patient presenting within 4.5 hours from symptom onset. However, it is more effective and safe when treatment starts early. This therapy for acute ischemic stroke has been administered in Vojvodina since 2008. Various factors influence the outcome after intravenous thrombolysis. Timely recanalization and reperfusion is associated with better clinical outcomes. Mechanical Thrombectomy - a New Therapeutic Modality for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke. Nevertheless, the rate of recanalization and favorable outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion are low after intravenous thrombolysis. In such patients mechanical thrombectomy has demonstrated significantly higher rates of recanalization and improved outcomes compared with intravenous thrombolysis alone. This endovascular reperfusion therapy began to be implemented in Vojvodina in 2016. Conclusion. Intravenous thrombolysis continues to play a key role in the treatment of all acute ischemic stroke patients, but mechanical thrombectomy should be the ?gold standard? in the cases with large vessel occlusion.
Criteria for rupture prediction of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) are based only on the diameter of AAA. This method does not consider complex hemodynamic forces exerted on AAA wall. The methodology used in our study combines Computer-Aided Design (CAD) with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Three-dimensional vascular structures reconstructions were based on Computed Tomography (CT) images and CAD. CFD theory was used for mathematical modeling and simulations. In this way, dynamic behavior of blood flow in bounded three-dimensional space was described. Doppler Ultrasonography (US) was used for model results validation. All simulations were based on medical investigation of 4 patients (male older than 65 years) with diagnosed AAA. Good correspondence between computed velocities in AAA and measured values with Doppler US (Patient 1 0.60 m·s−1 versus 0.61 m·s−1, Patient 2 0.80 m·s−1 versus 0.80 m·s−1, Patient 3 0.75 m·s−1 versus 0.78 m·s−1, Patient 4 0.50 m·s−1 versus 0.49 m·s−1) was noticed. The good agreement between measured and simulated velocities validates our methodology and the other data available from simulations (eg. von Misses stress) could be used to provide useful information about the possibility of AAA rupture.