In cirrhotic patients, the characterization of hypovascular nodules, hypointense on hepatobiliary phase gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance images (Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI), is essential to look for the proper approach strategy. Our objective was to evaluate the imaging features and risk assessment of hypovascular nodules, hypointense on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, focusing on the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).
BACKGROUND:Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most frequent type of violence against women. We compared clinical and radiological IPV characteristics to stranger assault (SA).METHODS:We retrospectively identified 123 women with IPV from court reports and matched them to 124 SA. Clinical and radiological characteristics were evaluated by testing their sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for IPV, and the strength of their association with IPV.RESULTS:IPV women referred with more delay to the emergency department (ED), had more ED accesses, and showed more mismatch between reports to the triage and disclosures to the ED physician. They also displayed more head, neck, and face injuries, and new-plus-old fractures.CONCLUSION:The identification of specific features may help ED physicians to suspect IPV.
PURPOSE:To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in emergency departments for diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and for differential diagnosis of other musculoskeletal infections; to correlate radiological findings with the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC). MATERIALS AND METHODS:7 radiological parameters to be analysed on CECT scans were established, exams of 36 patients with proven diagnosis of NF (n 12) and other musculoskeletal infections (n 24) were retrospectively reviewed; LRINEC score was calculated. Fisher's test and Spearman's and Kendall's coefficients of rank correlations were performed. RESULTS:Two parameters were found to be strongly associated with the diagnosis of NF: involvement of the fascia (Spearman's ρ of 0.888, p < 0.001) and lack of fascial enhancement (Spearman's ρ of 0.672, p < 0.001). LRINEC score did not show strong association with the presence of fasciitis NF (Spearman's ρ of 0.490, p = 0.0024). CONCLUSION:Computed tomography (CT) parameters, which are significantly associated with the diagnosis of NF, are the involvement of the fascia and its lack of enhancement; LRINEC score could be high (>5) also in other musculoskeletal infections. Final diagnosis of necrosis among the fascia is surgical. Presence of gas is not a specific sign of necrotizing fasciitis being present in other musculoskeletal infections. CT could easily discriminate NF from other musculoskeletal infections, adds an important value to clinical and laboratory tests in diagnosis of NF in an emergency context when magnetic resonance imaging, which is superior to CT in this discernment, could not be performed.
Purpose: The aim is to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in evaluating Crohn's disease (CD) activity.Materials and methods: Seventy-seven patients with CD underwent MRE. The primary analysis was to determine associations between MRE findings, Harvey-Bradshaw Index, and C-reactive protein (CRP), then we have created a new MRE score that it was also correlated with clinical and laboratory data.Results: MRE score for CD significantly correlates with CRP (P=.003). Significant associations were found between degree of contrast enhancement and CRP (P=.002) and between comb sign and CRP (P=.001).Conclusions: These results make MRE an important instrument for evaluation of CD activity. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to correlate computed tomography (CT) findings with pathology in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).Methods: A retrospective evaluation of CT images of 44 patients with GISTs was performed. Computed tomography findings analyzed were location, size, margins, degree and pattern of contrast enhancement, angiogenesis, necrosis, signs of invasion, peritoneal effusion, peritoneal implants, surface ulceration, and calcifications. Associations between CT features and mitotic rate, Miettinen classes of risk, lesions size, and among CT features were investigated chi(2) Test and Fisher test were performed.Results: Mitotic rate was associated with margins (P = 0.016) and with adjacent organ invasion (P = 0.043). Pattern of contrast enhancement (P = 0.002), angiogenesis (P = 0.006), necrosis (P = 0.006), invasion of adjacent organs (P = 0.011), and margins (P = 0.006) were associated with classes of risk. Several associations (P < 0.05) between lesion size and CT features and among all the investigated CT features were found.Conclusions: Computed tomography features could reflect GIST biology being associated with the mitotic rate and with classes of risk.
With the increased frequency of diagnostic imaging, pancreatic cysts are now detected in >3% of American adults. Most of these are intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) with well-established but variable malignant potential. A biomarker that predicts malignant potential or dysplastic grade would help determine which IPMNs require removal and which can be observed safely. We previously reported that pancreatic fluid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels might have promise as a predictor of IPMN dysplasia and we seek to validate those results in the current study.Pancreatic cyst/duct fluid was prospectively collected from 100 patients with IPMN undergoing pancreatic resection. Surgical pathology revealed 47 low-/moderate-grade, 34 high-grade, and 20 invasive IPMNs. The PGE2 levels were assessed by ELISA and correlated with IPMN dysplasia grade, demographics, clinical radiologic/pathologic variables, acute/chronic pancreatitis, and NSAID use.Mean pancreatic cyst fluid PGE2 levels in high-grade and invasive IPMNs were significantly higher than low-/moderate-grade IPMNs (3.5 and 4.4 pg/μL, respectively, vs 1.2 pg/μL; p < 0.0016). At a threshold of 1.1 pg/μL, PGE2 was 63% sensitive, 79% specific, and 71% accurate for detection of high-grade/invasive IPMNs. When tested in the subset of IPMN patients with preoperative pancreatic cyst fluid CEA >192 ng/mL, PGE2 at a threshold of 0.5 pg/μL demonstrated 78% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 86% accuracy for detection of high-grade/invasive IPMN.Our results validate pancreatic cyst fluid PGE2 as an indicator of IPMN dysplasia, especially in select patients with preoperative pancreatic cyst fluid CEA >192 ng/mL. The inclusion of PGE2/CEA in a diagnostic biomarker panel can facilitate more optimal treatment stratification of IPMN patients.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with lumen distention for rectal cancer staging and circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement prediction.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Seventy-three patients with primary rectal cancer underwent high-resolution MRI with a phased-array coil performed using 60-80 mL room air rectal distention, 1-3 weeks before surgery. MRI results were compared to postoperative histopathological findings. The overall MRI T staging accuracy was calculated. CRM involvement prediction and the N staging, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were assessed for each T stage. The agreement between MRI and histological results was assessed using weighted-kappa statistics.RESULTS:The overall MRI accuracy for T staging was 93.6% (k = 0.85). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for each T stage were as follows: 91.8%, 86.2%, 95.5%, 92.6% and 91.3% for the group ≤ T2; 90.4%, 94.6%, 86.1%, 87.5% and 94% for T3; 98,6%, 85.7%, 100%, 100% and 98.5% for T4, respectively. The predictive CRM accuracy was 94.5% (k = 0.86); the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 89.5%, 96.3%, 89.5%, and 96.3% respectively. The N staging accuracy was 68.49% (k = 0.4).CONCLUSION:MRI performed with rectal lumen distention has proved to be an effective technique both for rectal cancer staging and involved CRM predicting.
Purpose: Blunt traumatic chylothorax could be distinguished in CT (Computer Tomography) scan as low attenuated fluid, due to chylomicrons inside, however blood intermixture in chylous effusion could make densitomery higher and hide chylothorax, due to the possible presence of an underlying hemothorax. The objective of the study is to demonstrate the specificity of retrocrural space obliteration, as additional CT sign to quickly identify and treat chylothorax. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was undertaken since May 2012 until May 2013 and included patients scheduled for MDCT (Multi Detector CT) scan before a thoracentesis procedure diagnostic for hemothorax and chylothorax. Were used as a controls, MDCT scans performed for thoracic or thoracic-abdominal trauma, or after a
This study was designed to investigate the added role of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to vertebroplasty on the pain management of patients with multiple myeloma (MM).
Context. One of the characteristic findings of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) is the presence of a direct communication between the lesion and the ductal pancreatic system and when magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) shows uncertain findings, it is useful to perform a MRCP after secretin stimulation (MRCP-S) which provides a better visualization of the ductal system. Case Report. We present a case of 51-year-old man in whom, during a CT follow-up for a renal tumour, was found a cystic lesion of the pancreas. To better evaluate the lesion and its suspected communication with the pancreatic system, MR with gadolinium and MRCP and MRCP-S were performed. With the MRCP and MRI it was not possible to identify a clear communication between the cystic lesion and the ductal system. MRCP-S showed an increase in signal intensity of the lesion and its communication with the ductal system, allowing us to classify the cystic lesion as a main duct in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. The patient underwent a surgical duodenal pancreatectomy. The histological result of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma IPMN. Conclusion. In this case MRCP-S has allowed a clearer identification of the cystic lesion allowing a correct diagnosis and treatment.
Objectives Breastfeeding is a well-recognised investment in the health of the mother-infant dyad. Nevertheless, many professionals still advise breastfeeding mothers to temporarily discontinue breastfeeding after contrast media imaging. Therefore, we performed this review to provide health professionals with basic knowledge and skills for appropriate use of contrast media. Methods A joint working group of the Italian Society of Radiology (SIRM), Italian Society of Paediatrics (SIP), Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN) and Task Force on Breastfeeding, Ministry of Health, Italy prepared a review of the relevant medical literature on the safety profile of contrast media for the nursing infant/child. Results Breastfeeding is safe for the nursing infant of any post-conceptional age after administration of the majority of radiological contrast media to the mother; only gadolinium-based agents considered at high risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (gadopentetate dimeglumine, gadodiamide, gadoversetamide) should be avoided in the breastfeeding woman as a precaution; there is no need to temporarily discontinue breastfeeding or to express and discard breast milk following the administration of contrast media assessed as compatible with breastfeeding. Conclusions Breastfeeding women should receive unambiguous professional advice and clear encouragement to continue breastfeeding after imaging with the compatible contrast media. Key Points: • Breastfeeding is a well-known investment in the health of the mother-infant dyad. • Breastfeeding is safe after administration of contrast media to the mother. • There is no need to temporarily discontinue breastfeeding following administration of contrast media.
Poster: ECR 2013 / C-1395 / Imaging of Candidal Liver abscesses by: D. Sergi1, M. Di Pietropaolo1, F. Tavanti1, C. De Vincentiis2, C. Bernardi2, C. Briani1, I. Matarazzo3, A. Speranza4, V. David1; 1Rome/IT, 2Roma/IT, 3Tomba di Nerone (RM)/IT, 4Roma, RM/IT
Poster: ECR 2013 / C-2123 / Study of lymph nodes with dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI by: A. Guglietta, I. Casazza , A. Pallavicino, M. Mattei, A. Tizi, C. Bernardi, G. Argento, M. Di Girolamo, V. David; Roma/IT
Acute aortic occlusion is a rare and catastrophic pathology with high mortality even after revascularization. Literature describes cases of acute aortic-iliac thrombosis due to cardiac emboli arising from left ventricle, but, so far, only few cases have been described about acute aortic iliac thrombosis due to a floating thrombus in descending aorta. In best of our knowledge the case we report is the first one of aortic iliac and superior mesenteric artery occlusion due to a single septic thrombus arising from descending aorta.
PURPOSE:The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging both in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and precancerous lesions and in the assessment of their evolution.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A retrospective study was undertaken on 56 patients with chronic liver disease and suspected liver lesions. We evaluated the number, size and signal intensity of the nodules on dynamic and hepatobiliary MR images. Follow-up studies were carried out every 3 months. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher's exact test.RESULTS:A total of 120 nodules were identified in 41 patients. Of these, 92/120 nodules (76.6%; mean diameter 18.4 mm) showed the typical HCC vascular pattern: 90/92 nodules appeared hypointense and 2/92 were hyperintense on hepatobiliary phase images. An additional 28/120 hypointense, nonhypervascular nodules (23.3%; mean diameter 11 mm) were detected on hepatobiliary phase images, 15 of which showed hypointensity also on the equilibrium phase images. During the 3- to 12-month follow-up, 14/28 nodules (mean diameter 13.3 mm) developed the typical vascular pattern of HCC.CONCLUSIONS:Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging is useful for detecting HCC as well as hypovascular nodules with potential progression to HCC. Lesions measuring more than 10 mm in diameter are at higher risk of developing into HCC (p = 0.0128).
Poster: ECR 2013 / C-0409 / Percutaneous vertebroplasty for pain management in patients with multiple myeloma: shall we still ablate first? by: G. Orgera 1, M. Matteoli1, M. Krokidis2, G. Trasimeni1, M. Rossi1, V. David1; 1Rome/IT, 2Cambridge/UK