Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Applications in Dermatology.

As a noninvasive imaging modality able to show the dynamic changes in neurologic activity, functional magnetic resonance imaging has revolutionized the ability to both map and further understand the functional regions of the brain. Current applications range from neurosurgical planning to an enormous variety of investigational applications across many diverse specialties. The main purpose of this article is to provide a foundational understanding of how functional magnetic resonance imaging is being used in research by outlining the underlying basic science, specific methods, and direct investigational and clinical applications. In addition, the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging in current dermatological research, especially in relation to studies concerning the skin‒brain axis, is explicitly addressed. This article also touches on the advantages and limitations concerning functional magnetic resonance imaging in comparison with other similar techniques.

Molluscum Contagiosum of the Gluteal Cleft: Observations and Implications for Management in Five Children.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common, self-limited skin infection caused by a double-stranded DNA virus of the family Poxviridae. Although the morphology of the disease is well described, MC presenting at unusual sites can exhibit atypical morphology, resulting in misdiagnosis. This observational, retrospective case series discusses the novel morphology of MC presenting in the intergluteal cleft of five children seen in the outpatient dermatology clinic of an academic medical center. We present this case series to highlight this novel presentation of MC in children and to emphasize a conservative approach to management given the sensitive location and the self-limited nature of the infection.

Objective volumetric comparison of room air versus carbon dioxide for colonic distention at screening CT colonography.

PURPOSE: To objectively compare colonic distention at CT colonography (CTC) achieved with manual room air vs. automated low-pressure carbon dioxide (CO2) using a novel automated volumetric quality assessment tool. METHODS: Volumetric analysis was retrospectively performed on CTC studies in 300 asymptomatic adults using an automated quality assessment tool (V3D Colon [beta version], Viatronix). Colonic distention was achieved with room air self-administered to tolerance via hand-held pump (mean number of pumps, 39 ± 32) in 150 individuals (mean age, 59 years; 98 men, 51 women) and via continuous low-pressure automated infusion of CO2 in 150 individuals (mean age, 57 years; 89 men, 61 women). CTC studies in supine and prone position were assessed to determine total colonic volume (luminal gas and fluid). The colonic length along the automated centerline was also recorded to enable calculation of length-adjusted colonic volumes. RESULTS: The mean total colonic volume (±SD) for individuals receiving room air and CO2 distention was 1809 ± 514 and 2223 ± 686 mL, respectively (p < 0.01). The prone position was better distended in 78.7% (118/150) of cases using room air; whereas, the supine was better in 66.0% (99/150) of CO2 cases (p < 0.01). Using a volume threshold of 2000 mL, 49 (32.7%) of room air cases and 92 (61.3%) of CO2 cases were above this cut-off. The mean length-adjusted colonic volume (mL/cm) for the room air and CO2 techniques was 9.9 ± 2.4 and 11.6 ± 2.6 mL/cm (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Using automated volumetry allowed quantitative analyses of colonic volumes and objectively confirmed that continuous low-pressure CO2 provides greater overall colonic distention than the manual room air technique at CTC. The supine position demonstrated better distention with CO2, whereas the prone position was better distended with the room air technique.