Application of imaging techniques in diagnosis and severity assessment of dermatomyositis / 中华皮肤科杂志

Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease involving the skin and muscles. At the onset of dermatomyositis, it is difficult to make an early diagnosis due to atypical clinical manifestations and lack of serological markers. Skin and muscle lesions are associated with disease activity and prognosis in patients with dermatomyositis or clinical amyopathic dermatomyositis. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, dermoscopy and other imaging techniques may be used to assess skin and muscle involvements, which can not only improve the accuracy of early diagnosis of dermatomyositis, but also provide important reference for the assessment of disease activity and prognosis.

Clinical features of anti-signal recognition particle antibody-positive patients with dermatomyositis or clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical features of anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) antibody-positive patients with dermatomyositis/clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (DM/CADM) .@*Methods@#Clinical data were collected from 90 patients with DM/CADM, who were hospitalized at the Department of Dermatology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from June 2015 to July 2017. Immunoblotting assay was performed to determine the serum level of anti-SRP antibody in these patients. Statistical analysis was carried out using t test and Chi-square test.@*Results@#Of the 90 patients with DM/CADM, 11 (12.2%) were positive for serum anti-SRP antibody, including 6 with DM and 5 with CADM. Among 82 adult patients with DM/CADM, the prevalence of malignant tumors was significantly higher in the patients with anti-SRP antibody than in those without (7/9 vs. 31.5%[23/73], χ2 = 7.394, P = 0.006) . The 11 patients with anti-SRP antibody had typical DM skin lesions, and their cutaneous dermatomyositis disease area and severity index (CDASI) was 18.1 ± 2.9. The prevalence of "angel wings sign" (aliform erythema on the trunk) was significantly higher in the patients with anti-SRP antibody than in those without (7/11 vs. 29.9%[20/67], Fisher′s exact test, P = 0.028) . The positive rate of antinuclear antibody was significantly higher in the patients with anti-SRP antibody than in those without (4/8 vs. 16.7%[13/78], χ2 = 6.053, P = 0.014) . Magnetic resonance imaging of muscles of both thighs of the 10 patients with anti-SRP antibody (6 with DM and 4 with CADM) showed the presence of abnormal signals in the thigh muscle group in 8, swelling of the muscle group in 2, subcutaneous edema in 2, myofascial swelling in 1, and no abnormities in 2. No interstitial lung disease or myocardial involvement was observed in the patients with anti-SRP antibody.@*Conclusions@#The anti-SRP antibody-positive patients with DM/CADM showed a high prevalence of "angel wings sign" , and a high risk of malignant tumors. Early detection of the anti-SRP antibody in patients with DM/CADM is helpful to predict the occurrence of malignant tumors.

Radiographic features of low-grade central osteosarcoma / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To explore the imaging manifestations of low-grade central osteosarcoma (LGCOS) and discuss their pathological features.Methods Twelve patients of LGCOS proved by surgery and pathology were analyzed retrospectively and a review of related literature was performed.All twelve patients had plain X-ray,1 1 patients CT examination,and 10 patients contrast-enhanced MR scan.Imaging features of the LGCOS were summarized,their clinical and pathological manifestations were discussed for differential diagnosis.Their prognosis was evaluated with followed up examination.Results Of the 12patients with LGCOS,six tumors were located in the distal femur,3 in the proximal tibia,2 in the proximal femur and 1 in the talus.The radiographic features of LGCOS were variable.There were 7 patients with predominantly osteolytic destruction,3 patients with mixed sclerotic and lyric changes,with well-defined margins,2 patients with Osteogenic changes on X-ray.On CT,9 patients showed a clear cortical breach,5 patients with soft tissue involvement,6 patients with peripheral incompletely sclerotic zone,2 patients with periosteal reaction.On MRI,there were 10 patients with abnormal signal in medullary cavity,8 patients with soft tissue masses,and all 10 patients exhibited contrast enhancement.The microscopic features of LGCOS were characteristically bland,comprising spindle cells arranged in interlacing fascicles in a heavily collagenous background with variable bone or osteoid production.There were mild nuclear atypia and rare mitoses.In four patients,misdiagnoses were made by biopsy or surgical pathology as fibrous dysplasia or fibrous histiocytoma and other benign lesions,all four patients had postoperative recurrence.Conclusions LGCOS should be differentiated form fibrous dysplasia,non-ossifying fibroma,and other benign lesions.An accurate diagnosis can be made in most cases by careful pathological and radiological correlation.

Multi-detector-row CT findings of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics multi-detector-row computed tomography (MDCT)findings of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia ( AIMAH ).Methods The un-enhanced and contrast-enhanced MDCT features in 24 patients ( 14 males and 10 females) with clinically confirmed AIMAH were retrospectively assessed for the morphology and enhancement patterns.ResultsThe adrenal glands were involved bilaterally in all of the 24 cases( 100％ ).24 patients had massively enlarged multinodular adrenal glands.Nodules were( 1.79 ± 1.02) cm (0.50 ～ 3.85 cm),which usually distorted and completely obscured the normal adrenal glands.The enlarged adrenal glands were still retained the adreniform contour,showed characteristic ginger-like.22 of the 24 ( 91.7 ％ ) hyperplastic nodular glands demonstrated mild homogeneous enhancement.Calcification was revealed in 1 adrenals ( 1/24,4.2％ ).Conclusion MDCT reveals the characteristic morphology and CT attenuation in AIMAH.Combined with its clinical presentation and biochemical findings,AIMAH is able to be diagnosed with high specificity and accuracy on MDCT.

Assessment of the responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy of osteosarcoma by diffusion-weighted MR image: initial results / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To determine the utility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging ( MR DWI ) in detecting tumor necrosis with histological correlation after neoacljuvant chemotherapy. Methods Conventional MRI and DWI were obtained from 36 patients with histological proven esteosarcoma. Magnetic resonance examinations were performed in all patients before and after 4 cycles of preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) were calculated. The degree of tumor necrosis was assessed using the histological Huvos classification after chemotherapy. T-test was performed for testing changes in ADC value between the 2 groups. P value less than 0. 05 were considered as a statistically significant difference. Results The differences in ADC between viable [ (1.06±0. 30) ×10-3mm2/s ] and necrotic [ (2. 39±0. 44 )×10-3mm2/s] tumor were significant (t= 3. 515,P<0. 05). Changes in ADC value was greater in good responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy than in poor responses, the ADC value in good responses was increased from (1.18±0. 19)×10-3mm2/s to (2. 27±0. 20)×10-3mm2/s, the corresponding value in poor responses was increased from (1.45± 0.11)×10-3mm2/s to (1.83±0. 16)×10-3mm2/s, There was significant difference in changes of ADC values between good responses and poor responses ( t = 4. 981, P < 0. 01 ). Conclusion Diffusion-weighted MRI permits recognition of tumor necrosis induced by chemotherapy in osteosarcoma. DWI is correlated directly with tumor necrosis. They have potential utility in evaluating the preoperative chemotherapy response in patients with primary osteosarcoma.

Assessment of liver fibrosis in different degree: preliminary study on multi-slice CT perfusion imaging / 中华消化杂志

Objective To evaluate the role of multi-slice CT (MSCT) perfusion in early diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Methods Thirty-three subjects underwent CT perfusion of the liver. Among whom, 11 subjects were volunteers without hepatic disease and the other 22 subjects were pathologically confirmed with liver fibrosis who were further divided into slight (n= 10) and severe (n=12)liver fibrosis according to the lshak system. Parameters of CT perfusion were measured and compared among three groups. Results The mean hepatic arterial fraction in controls, light and severe fibrosis tended to increase with the severity of liver fibrosis[(18. 49 ± 9. 69) %, (19. 92 ± 6.01) % and (21.31±7.47)% ,respectively], and the mean mean transit time tended to decrease with the severity of liver fibrosis [(13.80 ± 2. 60) s, (12.35 ± 1.31) s and (12.19 ± 3.33) s, there was no significant difference in all parameters between any two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Quantitative measurement of hepatic blood supply can be obtained by CT perfusion. Some parameters will be helpful in staging fibrosis to a certain extent. But its clinical usefulness for the evaluation of the early diagnosis may not be affirmed yet.

Clinical study on volumetric variation of liver and spleen in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis / 中华消化杂志

Objective To assess the volumetric variation of liver and spleen in early diagnosis of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.Methods One hundred and thirty-seven subjects underwent dynamic enhanced examination of liver and spleen using multi-slice CT(MSCT).Forty potential living liver donors were served as controls.Sixty-three histologically proved fibrotic patients were divided into slight liver fibrosis(F≤2,n=44)and advanced liver fibrosis(F≥3,n=19)according to the Ishak system.Liver cirrhosis group consisted of 34 patients diagnosed clinically and radiologically.The measurement of total liver volume(TLV),right liver lobe volume(RV),left lateral liver segment volume(LLV),left medial liver segment volume(LMV),eaudate lobe volume(CV)and spleen volume(SV)were obtained bv MSCT.The ratios of segmental liver and SV to TLV were also calculated.Results The values of liver volumes(TLV,RV and LMV)reduced gradually among control(1470.38 cm3,933.34 cm3,216.20 cm3,respectively),slight liver fibrosis(1239.99 cm3,799.74 cm3,184.69 cm3,respectively),advanced liver fibrosis(1219.76 cm3,765.22 cm3,179.44 cm3,respectively)and cirrhosis(1078.21 cm3,543.73 cm3,163.12 cm3,respectively) groups.The volume of SV and the ratios of CV/TLV and SV/TLV increased gradually among control (256.29 cm3,3.09%,17.53%),slight liver fibrosis(284.41 cm3,3.20%,22.91%),advanced liver fibrosis(343.13 cm3,3.58%,28.80%)and cirrhosis(863.38 cm3,4.16%,82.91%)groups.There was significant difference among control,liver fibrosis and cirrhosis group in TLV,RV,LMV and SV/TLV(P＜0.05),but there was no significant difference in all parameters between the slight liver fibrosis group and the advanced liver fibrosis group(P＞0.05).There was significant correlation of TLV,LMV,SV,RV,CV/TLV,SV/TLV,RV/TLV and LLV/TLV with liver cirrhosis and its staging.Conclusion Variations in liver and spleen volume,the ratios of segmental liver and SV/TLV are correlated with the extent of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.which will be helpful in early detection of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Advanced Gastric Cancer and Perfusion Imaging Using a Multidetector Row Computed Tomography: Correlation with Prognostic Determinants

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the perfusion CT features and the clinicopathologically determined prognostic factors in advanced gastric cancer cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A perfusion CT was performed on 31 patients with gastric cancer one week before surgery using a 16-channel multi-detector CT (MDCT) instrument. The data were analyzed with commercially available software to calculate tumor blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), and permeability surface (PS). The microvessel density (MVD), was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of the surgical specimens with anti-CD34. All of the findings were analyzed prospectively and correlated with the clinicopathological findings, which included histological grading, presence of lymph node metastasis, serosal involvement, distant metastasis, tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) staging, and MVD. The statistical analyses used included the Student's t-test and the Spearman rank correlation were performed in SPSS 11.5. RESULTS: The mean perfusion values and MVD for tumors were as follows: BF (48.14+/-16.46 ml/100 g/min), BV (6.70+/-2.95 ml/100 g), MTT (11.75+/-4.02 s), PS (14.17+/-5.23 ml/100 g/min) and MVD (41.7+/-11.53). Moreover, a significant difference in the PS values was found between patients with or without lymphatic involvement (p = 0.038), as well as with different histological grades (p = 0.04) and TNM stagings (p = 0.026). However, BF, BV, MTT, and MVD of gastric cancer revealed no significant relationship with the clinicopathological findings described above (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The perfusion CT values of the permeable surface could serve as a useful prognostic indicator in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

CT-guided percutaneous mediastinum biopsy / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To study the technique and clinical significance of percutaneous mediastinum biopsy guided by CT. Methods 35 cases with mediastinal masses were undergone this procedure. Results The successful rate of the procedure was 100%. The successful punctural rates reached 100% for malignant neoplasms(21/21)85.71% for benign lesions(11/14), and the diagnostic accuracy was 94.21%(33/35). The complication of pneumothorax occurred in 3 cases, and mediastinal bleeding presented in 1 case. Conclusions CT-guided percutaneous mediastinum biopsy possesses high diagnostic accuracy, simultaneously with great help for the management.

Comparison of magnetic resonance with multislice computer tomography in T-staging of cardiac cancer / 中华消化杂志

Objective To compare the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) images with multislice computer tomography (MSCT) for preoperative T-staging of patients with cardiac cancer. Methods MR and MSCT were performed in 28 cases of cardiac cancer diagnosed by biopsy prior to operation within one week. After an oral intake of 1000 ml water and an injection of hypotonic agent, MR and MSCT scan were carried out. MR sequences included FSE T1W, FSE T2W, FSE T1W with fat suppression and dynamic enhanced FSPGR with fat suppression. MSCT was applied with dynamic triphasic contrast enhancement. All of the findings were prospectively analyzed by two doctors separately and compared with the surgical and pathological findings. Results According to histopathologic staging, the accuracy of MR and MSCT in T1-staging were 88.8% and 11.1%, in T2-staging were 77.8% and 22.2%, in T3-staging were 83.3% and 32.7%, in T4-staging were 100.0% and 50.0%, respectively. Dynamic enhanced and delayed MR with fat suppression was superior to MSCT for revealing the involvement of esophagus and aorta, early stage of invasiveness and providing more evidences in T2 to T3 or T3 to T4 staging (P

Effectiveness of different CT-guided percutaneous biopsies for skeletal destructive lesions / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To compare the clinical utility of CT-guided percutaneous biopsies for bone destruction. Methods The retrospective analysis of pathologic outcomes of 89 cases guided by X-ray and MRI, were obtained by needle aspiration (n=13) of 18-20G tru-cut biopsy needles (n=22) and 11-13G Ostycut biopsy needles (n=40). Results Seventy five (84.3%) patients with percutaneous biopsy outcome with concordant results from specimens subsequently obtained at surgery, 14 patients (15.7%) showed pseudo-negative results but no pseudo-positive cases. No obvious differences in pathological results were obtained among these three methods. Conclusions ① CT-guided percutaneous biopsy is effective in the evaluation of skeletal destructive lesions; ② Appropriate selection of percutaneous biopsy method for different kinds of lesion could raise the diagnostie accurracy.

CT-guided biopsy of malignant lymphoma / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of CT-guided biopsy of deep-located lesion in the diagnosis of lymphoma. Methods CT-guided percutaneous biopsy was performed in 58 patients with 16-20 gauge core-needle biopsy. The locations of lesion involved mediastinun, lung, retroperitonurn, spleen, kidney, adrenalal and musculoskeletal system. Pathology examination included hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical assays. Results In 56 out of 58 cases,the biopsy findings could be confirmed by histologic examination including correctly diagnosed 47 malignant lymphomas, corresponding to a sensitivity of 81%;with fuithecmace subclassification 42 of the 47(89.4%) could be as diagnosed malignant lymphomas on the basis of CT-guided biopsy. Conclusions Biopsy of deeply located lymphoma mass under CT guidance has high diagnostic accuracy and low complication rate with convenience for subclassification of malignant lymphomas.

Spinal Giant Cell Tumor:Imaging Features and Its Clinical Value / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To study X-ray, CT and MRI features of the spinal giant cell tumors (GCT)and to assess the clinical applied value.Methods Thirty cases of GCT of spine (13 males and 17 females with ages ranging from 17 to 69 years) were reviewed. Allcases underwent radiography,CT was done in 22 patients and MRI was performed in 16 cases.Results One lesion localized in cervical spine,10 in thoracic, 6 in lumbar and another 13 lesions in the sacrum.Osteolytic destruction and vertebral compression were seen on X-ray film. The main CT signs were expanding bone destruction and soft tissue mass. MRI showed low to intermediate signal intensity on T_1WI while high signal on T_2WI.Conclusion X-ray, CT and MRI are of significant value in diagnosis of the spinal GCT, and play an important role in surgical planning.