Morphometry of the Middle Cerebral Arteries: A Radio-Anatomical Study Based on Computed Tomography Angiography Findings / Morfometría de las Arterias Cerebrales Medias: Un Estudio Anátomo-Radiológico Basado en los Hallazgos de la Angiografía por Tomografía Computada

SUMMARY: Middle cerebral artery (MCA), which has the largest irrigation area of the arteries that feed the brain, is an important artery whose microanatomy should be well known because of its vascular variation. In pathologies which are known to affect the cerebrovascular system such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension, morphometric characteristics of MCA gain importance. The aim of this study is to compare the morphometric characteristics of M1 segment of MCA in T2DM and hypertensive patients with those of healthy control group by using computed tomographic angiography (CTA). The study was carried out with retrospective morphometric analysis of CTA images of 200 individuals between 40 and 65 years of age. The individuals were grouped in four as hypertensive patients (group 1), patients with T2DM (group 2), patients with hypertension and T2DM (group 3) and healthy control group (group 4). Length and diameter measurements of M1 segment were performed and recorded by using 3D CTA images. While statistically significant difference was found between bilateral M1 segment diameters of both women and men (p0.05). As a result of the post hoc analysis performed, it was concluded that right and left M1 segment diameter of group 1, group 2 and group 3 was found to be different from group 4 in both sexes (p<0.05). We believe that this study will both be a guide in radio-anatomic assessments to be performed and also increase microanatomic level of information in the surgical treatment of the artery by showing the morphometric changes that occur in M1 segment of MCA in T2DM diseases.

La arteria cerebral media (ACM), que otorga la mayor área de irrigación de las arterias que alimentan el cerebro, es un vaso importante cuya microanatomía debe ser bien conocida por su variación vascular. En patologías que afectan al sistema cerebrovascular, como la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y la hipertensión, las características morfométricas de la ACM cobran importancia. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar las características morfométricas del segmento M1 de la ACM en pacientes con DM2 e hipertensos con las del grupo control sano mediante el uso de angiografía por tomografía computada (TC). El estudio fue realizado através de análisis morfométrico retrospectivo de imágenes de TC de 200 individuos entre 40 y 65 años de edad. Los individuos fueron divididos en cuatro grupos, como pacientes hipertensos (grupo 1), pacientes con DM2 (grupo 2), pacientes con hipertensión y DM2 (grupo 3) y grupo control sano (grupo 4). Las mediciones de longitud y diámetro del segmento M1 se realizaron y registraron utilizando imágenes 3D TC. Si bien se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los diámetros bilaterales de los segmentos M1 de mujeres y hombres (p0,05). Como resultado del análisis post hoc realizado, se concluyó que el diámetro de los segmentos M1 derecho e izquierdo del grupo 1, grupo 2 y grupo 3 fue diferente del grupo 4 en ambos sexos (p<0.05). Creemos que este estudio será una guía en las evaluaciones anátomo-radiológicas y también mejorará el nivel de información microanatómica en el tratamiento quirúrgico al mostrar los cambios morfométricos que ocurren en el segmento M1 de la ACM en las enfermedades con DM2.

Sex Differences in Computed Tomographic Angiography in Patients with Low and Intermediate Pretest Probability of Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography has become one of the hot spots in cardiovascular imaging technology. Many of the sex-based research have shown that women have different pathogenesis, clinical presentation and complication related to coronary artery disease (CAD) as compared to the males. The aim of this study investigated the relationship between gender and coronary artery calcium (CAC) in patients with chest discomfort with low and intermediate pretest probability of CAD who underwent Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and referrals by gender for subsequent invasive coronary angiography and revascularization. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 200 patients suspected to have coronary artery disease, negative or equivocal stress tests, with no prior known coronary artery disease (CAD), intermediate pretest probability for CAD according to the scoring method of (15-65 points), and Low likelihood for CAD (< 15 points). Patients were divided into two groups according to gender and were followed up. All patients underwent Full history taking, full clinical examination, routine laboratory investigation, resting and exercise ECG, echocardiography, CT coronary angiography and invasive Coronary angiography. Results: Patients with mild calcium score level were significantly higher in no CAD group than CAD group (p <0.001) and patients with high calcium score were significantly higher in CAD group than no CAD group (p <0.001). In univariate regression analysis age, typical chest pain, obesity, coronary Ca score, and hyperlipidemia are independent predictors for CAD in females. In multivariate regression analysis, age, typical chest pain, hypertension, and coronary Ca score are predictors for CAD in males. Coronary calcium score is a good predicator for CAD (AUC =0.901, 95% CI =0.851-0.938, p value <0.001). At cut off value > 101, it has 70.97% sensitivity, 90.79% specificity, 92.6% PPV, and 65.7% NPV. Moreover, it is a good predicator for CAD in females (AUC =0.894, 95% CI =0.823 – 0.944, p value <0.001). At cut off value > 101, it has 60.71% sensitivity, 91.67% specificity, 87.2% PPV, and 71.4% NPV. Conclusions: In patients with chest discomfort with low and intermediate pretest probability of CAD who underwent CCTA and subsequent invasive coronary angiography and revascularization, female patients had lower age, hypertension, pretest probability score, calcium score, atypical angina, nonanginal chest pain and obstructive CAD but had higher BMI, typical angina than males’ group. In females, coronary calcium score is a good predicator for CAD. When its level exceeds 100, it has 60.71% sensitivity and 91.67% specificity. In addition, it was found that in females typical chest pain and coronary Ca score are predictors for CAD and in males, age, typical chest pain, hypertension, and coronary Ca score are predictors for CAD.

Correlation between Impaired Aortic Distensibility and the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease and Calcium Scoring Measured by Cardiac CT

Background: Multi-Slice cardiac CT has evolved as a noninvasive imaging technique for evaluation of stenosis in the coronary arteries by what is called Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA), but it is also widely used in quantitative plaque assessments through Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring and plaque type identification ( soft or Mixed VS calcific) . Evaluation of aortic distensibility and aortic stiffness can also be performed through Multi-Slice Computed Tomography (MSCT) by calculating Aortic Distensibility Index (ADI) and Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV). Aim: To evaluate whether impaired Aortic Distensibility Index (ADI) and Aortic Stiffness measured by Cardiac CT is correlating with the severity of coronary artery disease and coronary calcium scoring in at-risk individuals (assessed by CCTA). Patients and Methods: We included 180 patients. Patients were classified into four groups according to their CAC score and according to the degree of stenosis based on CCTA. All patients in this study have underwent full history taking, short clinical examination including B.P. and H.R. measurements, standard ECG, routine laboratory investigations, and Multi-Slice CT Coronary Angiography (MSCT-CA). All patients underwent coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning and CCTA, and their ADI and Aortic Stiffness were measured. Maximum systolic and maximum diastolic cross sectional-area (CSA) of ascending-aorta (AAo) was measured 15-mm above the left main coronary ostium. ADI was defined as: [(Systolic CSA –Diastolic CSA)/ (Diastolic CSA in X systemic-pulse-pressure) X 103]. Aortic stiffness was measured as PWV using Bramwell-Hill equation [1] [(3.57/ ?distensibility)]. Results: There were strong correlation between Aortic distensibility and Aortic stiffness (PWV) with degree of stenosis and coronary artery calcium. In patients stratified based on the degree of calcium scoring (CAC score), there was a statistically significant negative correlation between calcium scoring and the ADI (Pearson's r= -0.771, p<?.001), and a statistically significant positive correlation between calcium scoring and PWV (Pearson's r=0.817, p<?.001). In patients stratified based on the degree of stenosis, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between ADI and the Degree of stenosis (Pearson's r=-0.707, p<?.001), and there was a statistically significant positive correlation between PWV and the Degree of stenosis (Pearson's r=0.697, p<?.001). Conclusion: Impaired aortic distensibility strongly correlates with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, degree of stenosis and coronary artery calcium. Addition of ADI to CAC and traditional risk factors provides incremental value to predict at-risk individuals.

Progress in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of small renal cell carcinoma by CT texture analysis / 中华全科医师杂志

Small renal cell carcinoma refers to a renal malignant tumor with a maximum diameter of 4 cm.Due to the small size, its diagnosis and differential diagnosis have been difficult points in clinical work. CT texture analysis is an emerging technique, it determines the tumor heterogeneity by analyzing the distribution and relationship of pixel or voxel gray-scale levels in the CT images, it acts to more accurately predict the benign and malignant tumors and the classification of tumors.This paper reviews CT texture analysis on the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of small renal cell carcinoma, in order to guide the correct diagnosis of doctors and effectively clinical treatment.

Dual artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis and treatment for patients with multiple primary lung cancer / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To explore the value of artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic imaging system and three dimensional computed tomographic bronchoangiography (3D-CTBA) surgical planning system in the management of multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC). Methods    The clinical data of 53 patients with MPLC treated surgically in our hospital from January 2018 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 16 males and 37 females, with a median age of 60 (39-75) years. The patients' preoperative CT was analyzed by AI and manually, and the data of patients who underwent 3D-CTBA were compiled to evaluate the value of AI and 3D-CTBA in the diagnosis and treatment of MPLC, respectively. Results     The sensitivity of AI screening for MPLC was 84.91%. The sensitivity (91.90% vs. 83.78%) and accuracy (85.60% vs. 84.00%) of AI diagnosis of high-risk MPLC infiltrative lesions were better than those of manual diagnosis. 3D-CTBA was used for planning the surgery in 12 patients, and the intraoperative situation was generally consistent with the reconstructed results. Conclusion    AI is of high value in identifying infiltrative lesions of MPLC. 3D-CTBA reconstruction of anatomical structures is accurate and can guide preoperative planning.

A Study on the Authenticity of Preoperative Pulmonary Bronchial Angiography by DeepInsight Software / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Precise segmentectomy has become the first choice of surgical treatment for pulmonary nodules and early lung cancer, and the key and difficult point of the surgery lies in the precise location and resection of the lesion. DeepInsight is an auxiliary software for precise lung surgery jointly developed by our center and Neusoft Company, which can determine the precise anatomy of the lung and locate the location of lung lesions before operation. This study is to verify the authenticity and reliability of DeepInsight lung bronchial angiography assisted surgery.@*METHODS@#In this study, 1,020 patients with pulmonary nodules <2.0 cm in diameter were included in the Department of Thoracic Surgery Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital from August 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was performed on all the included patients before surgery. The DeepInsight software was used to perform preoperative bronchial angiography on the operative side of the lung to identify the affected pulmonary segments, pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins. Two thoracic surgeons independently assessed the visibility of the affected pulmonary vessels using the 5-point method, and the χ² test assessed the consistency between observers. In addition, virtual imaging and real anatomy of pulmonary vessels on the operative side were performed during the operation, and the involved pulmonary vessels were finally determined by 2 chief physicians of thoracic surgery.@*RESULTS@#There were no statistically significant differences between the number and spatial anatomy of the vessels involved in the pulmonary virtual imaging using DeepInsight software before operation and the number of vessels involved during operation in 1,020 patients. And the consistency among observers is quite satisfactory.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The DeepInsight software virtual imaging of pulmonary bronchial vessels can accurately reconstruct the actual pulmonary vessels and assist the completion of pulmonary segmental resection.

Computed tomographic and radiologic anatomy of the lower respiratory tract in the red-foot tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) / Anatomia radiológica e por tomografia computadorizada do trato respiratório inferior no jabuti-piranga (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

The diagnosis of several diseases in chelonians is a challenge in the veterinary clinic, because a detailed physical examination with auscultation and palpation is difficult due the presence of carapace and plastron. Imaging analysis such as radiography and computed tomography (CT) have been shown to be beneficial for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment in numerous animal species. Thus, this study aimed to identify and describe the structures of the lower respiratory tract in red-foot tortoises, by computed tomography, radiography and gross anatomy in twelve red-foot tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria), adults and of both sexes. The lower respiratory tract in these animals comprised the larynx, trachea, bronchi and the lungs. The presence of epiglottic cartilage was not observed in the animals studied. CT allowed the observation of the intrapulmonary part of the bronchi, which was accompanied by large intrapulmonary blood vessels. The lungs presented a reticulated parenchyma, without lobulations. Each lung had a small chamber located near the cranial and caudal poles. These structures were identified in CT and 3D CT reconstructions and these could suggest that these chambers could be non-respiratory structures, and could be comparable to the air sacs of birds. This study establishes normal CT anatomy of the lower respiratory tract of the red-foot tortoise; and may be used as a reference in the assessment of respiratory disorders in this tortoise.(AU)

O diagnóstico de diversas afecções em quelônios é um desafio para a clínica veterinária, já que um exame físico detalhado com auscultação e palpação é difícil devido à presença da carapaça e do plastrão. A radiografia e a tomografia computadorizada (TC) tem se mostrado benéficas para o diagnóstico, prognóstico e tratamento em muitas espécies animais. Assim, este estudo teve por objetivo identificar e descrever as estruturas do trato respiratório inferior no jabuti-piranga por meio da tomografia computadorizada, radiografia e anatomia em 12 jabutis-piranga (Chelonoidis carbonara), adultos e de ambos os sexos. Nos animais estudados, o trato respiratório inferior consistiu da laringe, traqueia, brônquios e os pulmões. A cartilagem epiglote não foi observada. A TC permitiu a observação da parte intrapulmonar dos brônquios, a qual estava acompanhada dos vasos sanguíneos intrapulmonares. Os pulmões possuíam um parênquima reticulado, sem lobações. Cada pulmão tinha uma pequena câmara localizada junto aos pólos cranial e caudal. Estas estruturas foram identificadas na TC e na reconstrução 3D a partir da TC e poderiam ser estruturas não-respiratórias, podendo ser comparadas aos sacos aéreos das aves. Este estudo identificou a anatomia normal por meio da TC do trato respiratório inferior do jabuti-piranga, o que pode ser usado como referência para diagnóstico de desordens respiratórias nesta espécie.(AU)

Coronary anomalies and anatomical variants detected by coronary computed tomographic angiography in Kashmir, India

Background: Coronary Artery Anomalies (CAAs) presenting in adulthood are rare and associated with adverse cardiac events, including sudden cardiac death. Coronary artery anomaly is the second most common cause of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) in young athletes. Cardiac Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) is a readily available non-invasive imaging modality that provides high-resolution anatomical information of the coronary arteries. Multi-detector row CT is superior to conventional angiography in defining the ostial origin and proximal path of anomalous coronary branches.Methods: This was a prospective study included 186 patients who underwent coronary CTA from December 2018 to November 2019 in Government medical College, Srinagar on a 256 slice CT. The indications for coronary CTA were an equivocal, or non-diagnostic stress test, atypical chest pain, suspected anomalous coronary, as well as the evaluation of cardiac cause of syncope.Results: Ramus intermedius was the most common anatomical variant seen in 25 patients (13.4%). The prevalence of coronary anomalies in this study was 5.66% including myocarding bridging. The most common anomaly was high take off of coronary artery from sinotubular junction accounting for 1.6%.Conclusions: Coronary Computed Tomographic angiography is much superior in detecting coronary artery anomalies than invasive coronary angiography because of the absence of soft tissue information like as is needed in myocardial bridging. Proper knowledge of the anomalies and their clinical significance is highly important in planning treatment and easing hardships of cardiologists in dealing with them.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve in Patients with Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Left Coronary Sinus

Imaging features and pathological comparison of carotid web / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the ultrasound examination and computed tomography angiography (CTA) features of carotid web(CAW), and compare with the pathology after carotid endarterectomy, and then compare diagnostic efficacies of the two methods.@*Methods@#From June 2018 to July 2019, 159 patients underwent carotid endarterectomy(CEA) in Beijing Tian Tan Hospital were collected, ultrasound examination and CTA were performed preoperatively. The presence or absence of CAW and whether there were thrombosis or atherosclerotic plaques associated with it were identified. The location length, thickness, direction in the lumen, echo characteristics of CAW, and complicated with or without thrombosis or atherosclerotic plaques were recorded. The postoperative specimens were observed, and the pathological analysis was performed.@*Results@#Among the 159 cases of CEA, 22 cases were confirmed to have CAW structure by pathology, and HE staining showed extensive intimal fibrohyperplasia and mucoid degeneration, among which 18 cases had plaque formation at the bottom of the carotid web, and 4 cases associated with thrombosis. There were 17 cases of CAW structure diagnosed by ultrasound, 5 cases were misdiagnosed or missed, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in the diagnosis of CAW were 77% (17/22) and 98% (135/137), and the accuracy was 75%. Eleven cases of CAW were diagnosed by preoperative CTA, and 11 cases were misdiagnosed and missed diagnosis, the sensitivity and specificity of CTA in the diagnosis of CAW were 50%(11/22) and 97%(134/137), and the accuracy was 47%.@*Conclusions@#The sensitivity of ultrasound in the diagnosis of CAW is higher than that of CTA, which can better display the structure of CAW and whether it is associated with plaque or thrombosis.

Application and prospect of preoperative computed tomographic angiography in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To generalize the application and prospect of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap transfer for breast reconstruction. Methods: The related literature using CTA for DIEP flap reconstruction of breast in recent years was reviewed and analyzed. Results: Preoperative CTA can accurately assess the vascular anatomy of the chest and abdomen wall, precisely locating the perforator in the abdominal donor site, and identifying the dominant perforator; guide the selection of intercostal space to explore internal mammary artery and internal mammary artery perforator in the chest recipient vessels. It can also reconstruct the volume of the abdominal flap with reference to the size of the contralateral breast and pre-shape the abdominal flap, which are crucial to formulate the surgical plan and improve the reliability of flap. Conclusion: Preoperative CTA has enormous application potential and prospects in locating donor area perforator, in selecting recipient vessels, and in evaluating breast volume for autologous breast reconstruction with DIEP flap.

Association of Retinal Artery Occlusion with Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the association between retinal artery occlusion (RAO) and subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: We studied 41 patients with non-arteritic RAO without any history or symptoms of CAD, who had undergone coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) for systemic atherosclerotic evaluation between 2007 and 2012. The age- and gender-matched control group comprised 4-fold subjects who were randomly selected from asymptomatic subjects who underwent CCTA during general health evaluation. Medical records and CCTA findings were compared between RAO patients and control groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess the risk factors associated with CAD. RESULTS: Cardiovascular risk factors were not significantly different between RAO patients and control groups. RAO patients showed higher coronary artery calcium score than did control subjects (267.9 ± 674.9 vs. 120.2 ± 289.5). On CCTA, the prevalence of obstructive CAD (diameter stenosis ≥ 50%) in RAO patients was significantly higher than that in controls (29% vs. 15%; odds ratio [OR], 3.0). RAO patients demonstrated a significantly higher segment-involvement score (SIS) (2.6 ± 3.0 vs. 1.6 ± 2.4) and segment-stenosis score (SSS) (3.6 ± 4.8 vs. 2.0 ± 3.3) than did controls. After adjustment of associated factors, RAO showed significant association (OR, 3.0) with obstructive CAD and extensive CAD (SIS > 4: OR, 2.8; SSS > 8: OR, 3.4). CONCLUSION: Patients with RAO had a higher prevalence of subclinical obstructive CAD with a more extensive and heavier burden of coronary artery plaques than did age- and gender-matched controls. Physicians should understand the potential risk of CAD in RAO patients.

The Foramen Magnum: A Morphometric Study On Ct Images Of Adults

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the morphometric values of foramen magnum toevaluate sexual dimorphism as well as its clinical importance.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 (Male 56, Female 44) CT scans. Morphometric studywas conducted on foramen magnum of occipital bone. From all the CT images the foramen magnum anteroposteriordiameter and transverse diameter were measured. Area of foramen magnum was calculated automatically.Foramen magnum index was calculated by using the formula Ht/Br×100. The data was statistically analysed.Results: The mean anteroposterior diameter in males and females was 33.9± 2.78, 32.2 ± 2.24, the mean transversediameter in males and females was 27.7±2.27, 26.7± 2.68 and the area of foramen magnum in males and femaleswas 739.5 ±9.96 , 676.1 ± 8.76, index of the foramen magnum in males and females was 82.09±7.86,83.02±9.55respectivelyConclusion: This study concludes that the parameters measured were higher in males compared to femalesexcept foramen magnum index. This was noticed higher in females than males.

Double-Balloon Endoscopy after Incomplete Colonoscopy and Its Comparison with Computed Tomography Colonography

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Because of the national screening program for colorectal carcinoma in The Netherlands, the number of colonoscopies has increased. In case of incomplete colonoscopy, computed tomography colonography (CTC) and double-balloon colonoscopy (DBc) are alternative options. This study evaluated cecal intubation rate and pathology detection rate in the previously unexplored part of the colon, complication rate of DBc, and CTC results after incomplete colonoscopy. METHODS: Retrospective observational study in a tertiary referral hospital regarding DBc and CTC reports from cases with incomplete colonoscopy. RESULTS: Sixty-three DBcs were performed after incomplete colonoscopy. Cecal intubation rate was 95%. Detection rate was 58% (5% carcinoma and 3% high-grade dysplastic adenoma). CTC preceded 54% of DBcs and 62% of CTC findings were confirmed. In 16%, a biopsy was taken, and in 60%, an intervention (mostly polypectomy) was performed. One major complication (1.5%) occurred, i.e., arterial bleeding due to polypectomy necessitating right hemicolectomy. CTC (n=213) showed a possible lesion in 35%, and could be confirmed by follow-up endoscopy or surgery in 65%. CONCLUSIONS: DBc is effective and safe for completion of colon inspection in incomplete colonoscopy. In patients with a high likelihood of pathology, DBc is preferred over CTC.

Diagnostic Value of Computed Tomography in Crohn's Disease Patients Presenting with Acute Severe Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic yield of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in Crohn's disease (CD) patients presenting with acute severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB), and the role of CT in predicting the risk of rebleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of 110 CD patients presenting with acute severe LGIB between 2005 and 2016 were analyzed. Among them, 86 patients who had undergone contrast-enhanced CT constituted the study cohort. The diagnostic yield of CT for detecting contrast extravasation was obtained for the entire cohort and compared between different CT techniques. In a subgroup of 62 patients who had undergone CT enterography (CTE) and showed a negative result for extravasation on CTE, the association between various clinical and CTE parameters and the risk of rebleeding during subsequent follow-up was investigated using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The diagnostic yield of CT was 10.5% (9 of 86 patients). The yield did not significantly differ between single-phase and multiphase examinations (p > 0.999), or between non-enterographic CT and CTE (p = 0.388). Extensive CD (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–9.80; p = 0.034) and bowel wall-to-artery enhancement ratio (adjusted HR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.21–6.54; p = 0.016) were significantly independently associated with increased rebleeding risks, whereas anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy after the bleeding independently decreased the risk of rebleeding (adjusted HR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07–0.95; p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic yield of contrast-enhanced CT was not high in CD patients presenting with acute severe LGIB. Nevertheless, even a negative CTE may be beneficial as it can help predict the risk of later rebleeding.

Metal Artifact Reduction for Orthopedic Implants: Brain CT Angiography in Patients with Intracranial Metallic Implants

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the effects of a metal artifact reduction for orthopedic implants (O-MAR) for brain computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in patients with aneurysm clips and coils. METHODS: The study included 36 consecutive patients with 47 intracranial metallic implants (42 aneurysm clips, 5 coils) who underwent brain CTA. The computed tomographic images with and without the O-MAR were independently reviewed both quantitatively and qualitatively by two reviewers. For quantitative analysis, image noises near the metallic implants of non-O-MAR and O-MAR images were compared. For qualitative analysis, image quality improvement and the presence of new streak artifacts were assessed. RESULTS: Image noise was significantly reduced near metallic implants (P < 0.01). Improvement of implant-induced streak artifacts was observed in eight objects (17.0%). However, streak artifacts were aggravated in 11 objects (23.4%), and adjacent vessel depiction was worsened in eight objects (17.0%). In addition, new O-MAR-related streak artifacts were observed in 32 objects (68.1%). New streak artifacts were more prevalent in cases with overlapping metallic implants on the same axial plane than in those without (P = 0.018). Qualitative assessment revealed that the overall image quality was not significantly improved in O-MAR images. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the use of the O-MAR in patients with metallic implants significantly reduces image noise. However, the degree of the streak artifacts and surrounding vessel depiction were not significantly improved on O-MAR images.

The reevaluation and surgical strategy of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To introduce the classification of the perforators of the superficial circumflex iliac artery(SCIA),and the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flaps based on different perforators have different characters and harvesting methods.To explore a set of coping strategy for the drawbacks of the SCIP flap.Methods Review 90 cases of SCIP flaps in August,2011 to June,2017.The pre-operative radiology navigation was conducted in all cases.Different surgical approaches were applied in flaps based on different perforators.The pedicle elongation method was adopted when necessary.The thickness of the flap,the length of the pedicle,the survival rate of the flap and the closure of the donor site were analyzed.Regular follow-up was performed after the operation.Results All flaps were followed-up for 6-15 months (average 8 months).Fifty-seven flaps were raised on the basis of the proximal perforators of the superficial branch of the SCIA,whereas 29 cases were based on the distal perforators from the deep branch,and in 4 cases,the pedicle was switched to the superficial inferior epigastric artery.In 8 cases,the arterial pedicle lengthen technique was applied with a maximum length of 10 cm.All donor sites were closed directly.Conclusion These surgical strategies simplified the intraoperative decision-making and conquered the shortcomings of the SCIP flap.It is believed that the SCIP flap can possibly become the new workhorse flap in the field of reconstructive surgery.

Feline injection site sarcoma: computed-tomographic density and assessment of tumor dimensions by different methods / Sarcoma de aplicação felino: avaliação da densidade tomográfica e das dimensões tumorais por diferentes métodos

Feline injection site sarcoma is a malignant neoplasm with digitiform projections into muscular planes that are ill recognized during physical examination and may compromise tumor margin demarcation. This study compared tumoral size of 32 cats measured by different methods, and evaluated the CT density of 10 tumoral tissues (Hounsfield unit) based on histograms. Tumor axes were measured by physical examination and CT images. Larger craniocaudal axis measurements were obtained following multiplanar reconstruction of pre- and post-contrast CT images (p=0.049 and p=0.041 respectively); dorsoventral axis measurements taken from post-contrast CT images were also larger (p=0.010). Tumor volume estimates increased following contrast-enhancement. Histograms tended to produce two peaks: one in the fat and another in the soft tissue attenuation range. Multiplanar reconstructed post-contrast CT images provided clearer definition of tumor margins and more judicious determination of tumor size. A tendency of common FISS attenuation profile could be described.(AU)

O sarcoma de aplicação felino (SAF) é uma neoplasia maligna que geralmente apresenta projeções digitiformes para planos musculares adjacentes, dificilmente reconhecidos ao exame físico, o que pode comprometer a real identificação das suas margens. Este estudo comparou as dimensões tumorais de 32 SAFs mensurados por diferentes métodos (exame físico e por imagens de tomografia computadorizada) e avaliou a densidade tomográfica em unidades Hounsfield de 10 dessas neoplasias, com base em histogramas. As medidas no eixo craniocaudal foram maiores quando obtidas após reconstrução multiplanar de imagens tomográficas, tanto na fases pré como após administração de meio de contraste (p=0,049 e p=0,041, respectivamente). As medições tomográficas no eixo dorsoventral obtidas na fase pós-contraste também foram maiores, quando comparadas com as imagens pré-contraste (p=0,010). Estimativas do volume tumoral foram maiores após a fase contrastada. Os histogramas das densidades tumorais tenderam a produzir dois picos: o primeiro no intervalo de valores de densidade gordura e o segundo no intervalo correspondente a tecidos moles. As imagens tomográficas pós-contraste com reconstrução multiplanar demarcaram com mais clareza as margens do tumor e definiram de forma mais criteriosa o seu tamanho. Uma tendência de perfil de atenuação comum para o SAF pôde ser descrita com esse estudo.(AU)

Clinical Significance of Preoperative Virtual Colonoscopy for Evaluation of the Proximal Colon in Patient With Obstructive Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: Virtual colonoscopy is the most recently developed tool for detecting colorectal cancers and polyps, but its effectiveness is limited. In our study, we compared the result of preoperative virtual colonoscopy to result of preoperative and postoperative colonoscopy. We evaluated also the accuracy of preoperative virtual colonoscopy in patients who had obstructive colorectal cancer that did not allow passage of a colonoscope. METHODS: A total of 164 patients who had undergone preoperative virtual colonoscopy and curative surgery after the diagnosis of a colorectal adenocarcinoma between November 2008 and August 2013 were pooled. We compared the result of conventional colonoscopy with that of virtual colonoscopy in the nonobstructive group and the results of preoperative virtual colonoscopy with that of postoperative colonoscopy performed at 6 months after surgery in the obstructive group. RESULTS: Of the 164 patients, 108 were male and 56 were female patients. The mean age was 62.7 years. The average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of virtual colonoscopy for all patients were 31.0%, 67.2%, and 43.8%, respectively. In the nonobstructive group, the average sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 36.6%, 66.2%, and 48.0%, respectively, whereas in the obstructive group, they were 2%, 72.4%, and 25.4%. Synchronous cancer was detected via virtual colonoscopy in 4 of the 164 patients. CONCLUSION: Virtual colonoscopy may not be an effective method for the detection of proximal colon polyps, but it can be helpful in determining the therapeutic plan when its results are correlated with the results of other studies.

A New Risk Assessment Model for Suspected Pulmonary Embolism / 中国医科大学学报

Objective To develop a predictive model for pulmonary embolism(PE)based on the related clinical symptoms,signs,and the labo-ratory index,so as to improve the positive rate of CTPA. Methods The model was developed from a database of 119 patients with suspected PE. The risk factors of suspected PE were analyzed by logistic regression analysis ,which included significant differences in the prevalence of PE be-tween non-diseased and non-diseased groups. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves was draw to determine the cut-off value of the clini-cal probability. It was validated in an independent sample of 106 patients with suspected PE. Results According to the univariate analysis ,17 of 51 variables show a significant difference between PE and non-PE patients. The model comprised 4 variables:age,dyspnea,D-dimer and unilater-al leg swelling. The area under the ROC curve is 0.776,and the cut-off value is supposed to be 0.38. In the validation sample,27% patients had PE confirmed by CTPA. The prevalence of PE was 54%when the clinical probability was above 0.38. Conclusion The proposed predictive mod-el in this study can improve the positive rate of CTPA ,simplify the diagnosis process of suspected PE patients.