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Aortofemoral bypass surgery is a common procedure for treating aortoiliac occlusive disease, also known as Leriche syndrome, which can cause lower extremity ischemic symptoms. Diagnostic imaging techniques play a crucial role in managing pseudoaneurysms (PSAs), with Duplex ultrasound and Computed Tomography-angiography (CTA) being effective tools for early diagnosis. Pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) present as pulsating masses with various symptoms, and prompt intervention is essential to avoid complications. A case report is presented involving an 82-year-old male who underwent aorto-bifemoral bypass surgery and later developed a pseudoaneurysm (PSA) of the left branch. Surgical treatment involved the removal of the pseudoaneurysm (PSA) and graft replacement. Other cases from the literature are also described, emphasizing the rarity and potential severity of non-anastomotic pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) in reconstructive vascular surgery. Periodic screening of patients who undergo reconstructive vascular surgery is crucial to detect pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) early and prevent complications. Asymptomatic pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) can grow significantly and become life-threatening if not identified in a timely manner. Regular post-operative imaging, such as annual Computed Tomography-angiography (CTA) and/or Duplex ultrasound, is recommended to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate management of complications.
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PURPOSE: Abnormal liver blood tests (ALBTs), neutropenia (NEU) and thymic hyperplasia (TH) are new features of Graves' disease (GD). Our objectives were: (a) to calculate the accuracy of TH in discriminating between Graves' and non-Graves' thyrotoxicosis, compared to ALBTs, NEU and Graves' orbitopathy (GO); (b) to explore the outcome of GD-associated TH and non-GD-associated TH. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed consecutive adult patients with newly diagnosed thyrotoxicosis from January 2018 to June 2023. TH was detected via neck ultrasound (nUS) then confirmed and followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For GD vs non-GD clinical sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SPEC), accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of GO, TH, ALBTs and NEU were calculated. RESULTS: 264 thyrotoxic patients were included. TH was found in 16.4% (20/122) of GD vs 1.4% (2/142) in non-GD (p < 0.001). SE, SPEC, accuracy, PPV and NPV of the four extrathyroidal manifestations of GD were as follows, respectively: GO 26%, 100%, 66%, 100%, 61%; ALBTs 41%, 89%, 69%, 76%, 66%; NEU 5%, 100%, 56%, 100%, 55%; TH 16%, 98%, 61%, 91%, 98%. In 18 of them, TH regressed within 12 months after achieving euthyroidism under anti-thyroid drug therapy, while in the remaining 2, TH regressed 6 months after thyroid surgery. In the two non-GD patients with TH, thymus disappeared along with euthyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: TH in the hyperthyroidism scenario provides a high PPV for GD. A conservative approach for the diagnostic work-up and initial management of thyrotoxicosis-associated TH should be adopted.
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OBJECTIVE: This study aims at comparing the severity score assessed using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From the first of December 2021 to first of February 2022, we conducted a single-center retrospective analysis on COVID-19 patients who accessed ED services. The hospital in question is a level II facility with a catchment area of around 200,000 people. According to the Italian recommendations, patients were divided into four groups based on the CT score of Micheal Chung. The sum of acute inflammatory lung lesions involving each lobe was scored as 1 (0-25%), 2 (26-50%), 3 (51-75%) or 4 (76-100%) on a visual quantitative assessment of CT. The total severity score (TSS) was determined by summing the five lobe scores. RESULTS: The study included 134 patients divided into two groups: 67 vaccinated and 67 unvaccinated people. 53 people had incomplete (single dose/double dose) immunization, while 14 people completed the vaccination cycle. It was discovered that the mean CT severity score was lower in fully vaccinated patients compared to partially vaccinated or unvaccinated patients. The mean CT score was significantly lower in fully vaccinated patients aged 60 compared to older patients. The mean CT score was higher in unvaccinated patients compared to fully vaccinated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who received three doses of COVID-19 vaccination had lower CT severity scores than patients who received only one dose of vaccine or no vaccines at all.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines/therapeutic use , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , VaccinationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gynecomastia (GM) is the most frequent cause of male breast-related signs and symptoms and represents also the most common indication for mammography (MX) in men. In this article, our 7-year long experience with MX in men suffering from GM is reviewed, and the mammographic features of GM are presented. METHODS: MXs performed in male patients at our institution from January 2009 to January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and patients with mammographic features of GM were selected. Informed consent was waived by the local institutional review board given the retrospective nature of the study. Mammograms were performed in both cranio-caudal (CC) and medio-lateral-oblique (MLO) views according to diagnostic needs. Clinical and pathologic data were obtained by review of patient charts. RESULTS: 37 males (aged between 13-79 years, mean 59 years) referred for MX at our institution because of palpable lump (31/37; 83.8%), breast enlargement (33/37; 89.2%), tenderness or pain (25/37; 67.6%). Of the 37 patients evaluated, 32 (86.5%) had true GM while 5 (13.5%) had pseudoGM. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of GM can be complex but a stepwise approach that starts with careful history taking and physical examination may obviate the need for extensive work-up. In this context, MX has been shown to be an accurate diagnostic tool for detecting GM and should be the first imaging examination to be performed in all clinically suspicious lesions referred for imaging.
Subject(s)
Gynecomastia/diagnostic imaging , Mammography , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Miillerian anomalies have not been implicated as a significant risk factor for the development of cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers; in the present literature, there are only a few reports of endometrial cancer arising in patients with Miillerian abnormalities. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of endometrial cancer arising in a patient with unicornuate uterus. CASE REPORT: A 69-year-old Caucasian woman underwent clinical examination and office hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy because of abnormal post-menopausal bleeding. The diagnosis was endometrial cancer in unicornuate uterus, hence the patient underwent total hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. CONCLUSION: Uterine malformations and genetic disorders may cause a delayed diagnosis of gynaecological cancers. Gynaecological examination in asymptomatic patients and differential diagnosis in abnormal uterine bleeding patients should be considered.
Subject(s)
Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology , Uterus/abnormalities , Aged , Endometrial Neoplasms/diagnosis , Endometrial Neoplasms/surgery , Female , Humans , Lymph Node ExcisionABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of this paper was to assess the origin and course variations of vessels forming the renal vascular pedicle. METHODS: The IRB approved study retrospectively evaluated 921 consecutive patients (503 females, 418 males; mean age, 54 years), who underwent multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) of the abdomen for various purposes at our Department of Radiology, between January 2012 and December 2013. Multiplanar and volumetric reformations were performed in all cases. For each set of images, the locations of renal artery origins and renal venous drainage, such as all renal vessels variations, including division variations and presence of extrarenal vessels, were investigated. RESULTS: The tract of the aorta between the upper margin of L1 and the lower margin of L2 originated 96% of main renal arteries and 72% of extra renal arteries. The most common location for renal artery origin was the L1- L2 intervertebral disc level. Sixty-nine percent of patients showed a single renal artery, with multiple arteries in 31%, bilateral multiple arteries in 11%, and early division in 6% of cases. Additional renal arteries were detected on the right side in 5% and on the left side in 12% of cases. With regard to the venous drainage, 89.8% of patients showed a single renal vein, with multiple vein in 10.2%, while 23.8% showed a retro-aortic course of the renal vein. CONCLUSION: Renal arteries and veins variations of origin and course are not infrequent. Extrarenal vessels may compromise renal surgery. The awareness of any possible renovascular anomaly is crucial in case of a non-invasive diagnostic search for renal artery stenosis, and when renal surgery related to renal arteries is performed, such as in case of interventional radiological procedures, urological and vascular operations, and renal transplantation.
Subject(s)
Angiography , Kidney/blood supply , Multidetector Computed Tomography , Renal Artery/diagnostic imaging , Renal Veins/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Intestinal ischemia is an abdominal emergency that accounts for approximately 2% of gastrointestinal illnesses. It represents a complex of diseases caused by impaired blood perfusion to the small and/or large bowel including acute arterial mesenteric ischemia (AAMI), acute venous mesenteric ischemia (AVMI), non occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI), ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R), ischemic colitis (IC). In this study different study methods (US, CT) will be correlated in the detection of mesenteric ischemia imaging findings due to various etiologies. METHODS: Basing on experience of our institutions, over 200 cases of mesenteric ischemia/infarction investigated with both US and CT were evaluated considering, in particular, the following findings: presence/absence of arterial/venous obstruction, bowel wall thickness and enhancement, presence/absence of spastic reflex ileus, hypotonic reflex ileus or paralitic ileus, mural and/or portal/mesenteric pneumatosis, abdominal free fluid, parenchymal ischemia/infarction (liver, kidney, spleen). RESULTS: To make an early diagnosis useful to ensure a correct therapeutic approach, it is very important to differentiate between occlusive (arterial,venous) and nonocclusive causes (NOMI). The typical findings of each forms of mesenteric ischemia are explained in the text. CONCLUSION: At present, the reference diagnostic modality for intestinal ischaemia is contrast-enhanced CT. However, there are some disadvantages associated with these techniques, such as radiation exposure, potential nephrotoxicity and the risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast agents. Thus, not all patients with suspected bowel ischaemia can be subjected to these examinations. Despite its limitations, US could constitutes a good imaging method as first examination in acute settings of suspected mesenteric ischemia.
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The purpose of the study was to identify the correlation between functional lung parameters to the extent of lung involvement evaluated by High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) in systemic sclerosis (SSc), using a modified score scale. Forty-two patients with established clinical diagnosis of systemic sclerosis were retrospectively selected from the hospital information system and were prospectively included in the study protocol undergoing chest radiography, HRCT and functional lung testing. Lung involvement was assessed by HRCT, lesions were assessed in the individual segments and an additional severity score was introduced by assigning 3 points for bilateral lesions. The total new HRCT score was statistically related to severity of functional lung parameters. Thirty-six out of 42 patients showed an interstitial lung involvement by HRCT: Ground Glass (GG) n=36/42 of which n=27/36 were bilateral; IPM n=30/42, of which 24/30 were bilateral; SL n=33/42 of which 18/33 were bilateral; HC n=6/42 of which 6/6 were bilateral; SC n=6/42 of which 3/6 were bilateral.18/42 had a total score between 0-10, 6/42 between 11-20, 12/42 between 21-30, 6/42 greater than 31. Fifteen out of 42 had restrictive deficit. The results of functional respiratory testing were: FVC less than 80 percent in 12/42 patients (28.5 percent), TLC less than 80 percent in 15/42 patients (35.7 percent), DLCO less than 80 percent in 38/42 patients (90.4 percent) and DLCO/VA less than 80 percent in 21/42 patients (50 percent). The total score was statically related with FVC and TLC and with DLCO and DLCO/VA showing a significant negative correlation found between the total HRCT score of extent of lung damage and lung-function parameter (TLC: r= -0.65, P=0.00000264; FVC: r= -0.50; P=0.000575; DLCO: r= -0.74, P=2.02E-8; DLCO/VA: r= -0.68, P=0.0000005). All Pairwise Multiple Comparison Procedures showed a significant difference between the two rank sums that enclosed the comparison for DLCO/VA vs SCORE and DLCO vs SCORE. In conclusion, our modified score scale gives interesting additional data to evaluate the extension of interstitial lung involvement in SSc. It is inversely proportional to spirometry and DLCO and DLCO/VA. The bilateralism of the lesions is directly proportional to the lung damage.
Subject(s)
Lung Diseases, Interstitial/diagnostic imaging , Respiratory Insufficiency/diagnostic imaging , Scleroderma, Systemic/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Scleroderma, Systemic/physiopathology , Total Lung Capacity , Vital CapacityABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the role of net-enhancement (NE) of benign salivary glands with multiphase multidetector row CT (MDCT). METHODS: Forty-eight patients (M=27, F=21), aged 35-76 years old (mean =57) with benign parotid neoplasms were examinated with 4 MDCT, at 20'', 40'', 70'' e 9' after intravenous administration of contrast medium. NE was calculated after subtracting precontrast phase to postcontrast phases. Final data were compared to the histopathology. RESULTS: Thirty-six cases were pleomorphic adenomas (PA), 24 Warthin (WT). PA had a medium NE values of 23 HU, 74 HU, 53 HU e 34 HU at 20'', 40'', 70'' e 9' respectively. WT had a medium NE of 52 HU, 54 HU, 40 HU e 39 HU respectively at the same times. After subtracting precontrast phase to the delayed phase, with NE at 9' and cut-off of 34 HU, we have differenziate PA from WT and normal gland with specifity (SP) 87%, sensibility (SE) 60%, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 75% and 59%; with NE at 20'' and cut-off of 54HU we have distingueshed WT from AP with SP 83%, SE 50%, PPV 75% and NPV 63%. CONCLUSION: The study of NE can allow the characterization of benign parotid gland tumors.
Subject(s)
Adenolymphoma/diagnostic imaging , Adenoma, Pleomorphic/diagnostic imaging , Parotid Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a differently designed functional appliance (the R- appliance) with Fränkel-2. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-seven patients (16 girls and 11 boys) with a mean age of 9.8 (SD 1.6) years were treated with the R-appliance for 15.4 (SD 0.4) months and twentyseven (15 girls and 12 boys) patients with a mean age of 9.1 (SD 1.1) years were treated with a Fränkel-2 appliance for 19 (SD 5.6) months. All patients had Class II division 1 malocclusions due to mandibular deficiency and all of them had prepubertal stages of skeletal development. Lateral cephalograms obtained at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the study were analysed. RESULTS: Paired t-tests showed that SNB significantly increased in both groups. The incisor mandibular plane angle (IMPA) was reduced in the R- appliance group by 2.2 (SD 4.9) degrees (P<0.03) but increased by 2.2 (SD 2.6) degrees (P<0.001) in the Fränkel-2 group. The SNA in the R-appliance group showed an increase of 0.2 (SD 2) degrees (P<0.6), while it was decreased by 0.4 (SD 0.5) degrees (P<0.6) in the Fränkel-2 group. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment modalities were successful in moving the mandible forward. However, with the R-appliance, this was achieved without proclination of the lower incisors.
Subject(s)
Malocclusion, Angle Class II/therapy , Orthodontic Appliance Design , Orthodontic Appliances, Functional , Cephalometry/methods , Child , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Incisor/pathology , Male , Mandible/growth & development , Mandible/pathology , Maxilla/pathology , Maxillofacial Development/physiology , Nasal Bone/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Sella Turcica/pathologyABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To assess the impact of ultrasonography on defining the diagnostic and therapeutic pathways for pediatric patients admitted to the emergency department for acute abdominal pain. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all patients aged <16 years with acute abdominal pain who underwent ultrasound examination at our Diagnostic Imaging Department from October 2010 to March 2012. We investigated for each patient the pathway following ultrasound examination and definitive diagnosis. The impact of ultrasonography was defined based on the frequency with which the information resulting from this examination confirmed or denied the diagnostic suspicion made by the emergency physician on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. RESULTS: In 497/729 patients (69 %), ultrasound examination did not determine variations in the diagnostic and therapeutic pathways, either because it confirmed the outcome of clinical examination and laboratory tests, or because, even addressing in the opposite direction to these, the emergency physician did not consider its result because of being particularly alarmed or sufficiently reassured by clinical examination and laboratory tests. In the remaining 232/729 cases (31 %), ultrasound examination determined an increase or a reduction of the provided care and attention (subsequently proved justified in the vast majority of cases) in spite of what was initially assessed based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our retrospective study demonstrated that ultrasonography was a valuable tool in the management of pediatric patients with acute abdominal pain together with clinical examination and laboratory tests.
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PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to define the relationship between paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and craniofacial morphovolumetric features through comparative craniometric analyses between affected children and controls based on conventional cephalometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cephalometric examinations of 40 children affected by OSAHS were retrospectively evaluated. Sixteen craniometric landmarks were identified, and 27 linear and angular indices related to craniofacial morphovolumetric features were measured. Subsequently, the same process of identifying landmarks and measuring indices was performed on the cephalometric examinations of 40 controls. For each index, we then calculated in both groups the mean, standard deviation, standard error and p value. By comparing the values obtained in the two series, we calculated the degree of significance of each difference between children with OSAHS and controls using the Student t test. RESULTS: Differences of only 5/27 linear and angular indices considered were not statistically significant between groups, thus confirming susceptibility to the disorder in relation to certain splanchnocranic morphovolumetric features. The most significant differences involved mandibular plane inclination and distance between landmark sella and hyoid bone, a reliable index being the vertical position of the latter. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations associated with the 2D nature of conventional cephalometry, mainly related to projection and identification errors, and despite the upright position during examination, we consider the diagnostic value and information content of this technique high, thus reaffirming its role as a first-line imaging investigation in children with sleep-related breathing disorders.
Subject(s)
Cephalometry/methods , Craniofacial Abnormalities/diagnostic imaging , Craniofacial Abnormalities/physiopathology , Sleep Apnea Syndromes/physiopathology , Adolescent , Case-Control Studies , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
The aim of our study was to define the changes in morphovolumetric features of neurocranium, basicranium and splanchnocranium in the population of Campania, southern Italy, over the last 2,700 years. This was a very intense period for this region from both historical and evolutionary perspectives and was marked by the succession of colonisations, dominations and invasions by several European and non-European peoples, events that profoundly influenced the original genetic heritage, which subsequently became more complex. Unlike most previous authors, we based our craniometric comparative analysis on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) studies of contemporary and ancient series dating to between the seventh and fifth centuries B.C. of skulls found in the Etruscan necropolis of Pompei and Pontecagnano. MDCT is extremely reliable in identifying landmarks and measuring linear and angular indices through the use of multiplanar and tridimensional reformations. While highlighting a remarkable stability of 22/32 of the indices considered, as an effect of the role of the genetic heritage in preserving morphovolumetric features in a given population, statistical analysis showed some interesting results: the main changes concerned the splanchnocranium and the occlusion, indicating a higher sensitivity of these districts to environmental factors, mainly related to diet. Conversely, neurobasicranial complex morphovolumetric features remained amazingly intact. In particular, the neurocranium increased in overall capacity in response to the growing brain and changed shape with a progressive shift to a dolichocranic, flattened frontal pattern; the basicranium shape was preserved, as indicated by the stability of the cranial base (NSBa) angle over time. The splanchnocranium, on the contrary, has undergone a dramatic involution, even conditioning gnathic structures with changes in palatal shape (more acute) and in the relationship between the jaws on the sagittal plane, resulting in increased prevalence of Angle's class I and III malocclusions.
Subject(s)
Cephalometry , Paleontology/methods , Skull/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Data Interpretation, Statistical , Female , Humans , Italy , MaleABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This report describes the advantages of 3D anal endosonography in depicting the normal anatomy of the anal canal in relation to sex and age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 85 patients, 33 men and 52 women, previously examined with 3D anal ultrasound (US) for clinically suspected anorectal disease but found to be negative. The examinations were performed with a Bruel and Kjaer US system with a 2050 transducer, scanning from the anorectal junction to the subcutaneous portion of the external anal sphincter (EAS). The 3D reconstructions provided an estimation of sphincter length in the anterior and posterior planes, and axial 2D images enabled calculation of the thickness of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and EAS in the anterior, posterior and lateral transverse planes. RESULTS: Distribution of the sphincter complex is asymmetric in both sexes: the EAS and IAS are significantly shorter in females, especially in the anterior longitudinal plane (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively). EAS and IAS thickness increases with age, especially the lateral IAS (R(2)=0.37, p<0.001) and the posterior EAS (R(2)=0.29, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A good knowledge of anal-canal anatomy is essential to detect sphincter abnormalities when assessing pelvic floor dysfunction.
Subject(s)
Anal Canal/anatomy & histology , Anal Canal/diagnostic imaging , Endosonography/methods , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Statistics, NonparametricABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a life-threatening vascular emergency with a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis is the key to reducing its mortality rate and improving the quality of life. Although computed tomography (CT) is still the gold standard for acute intestinal disorders, over the last few years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a useful alternative tool. An animal model of AMI was developed in order to study the effectiveness of MRI in early detection of this condition and to observe lesion evolution. METHODS: Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups (n=15): in the first group, after laparotomy, the animals underwent ligation of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), followed by macroscopic monitoring and histological evaluation; in the second, ischaemia was induced by squeezing a loop around the SMA 3 days before evaluation with 7-T micro-MRI. RESULTS: Macroscopically, a reflex spastic ileus followed by reflex hypotonic ileus and colour changes in some of the loops were detected. MRI evidenced luminal dilatation with air-fluid levels, free intraperitoneal fluid and bowelwall oedema. Histological analysis confirmed ischaemia and earlier damage involving the central portion of the ileum. CONCLUSIONS: This model shows the correct sequence of events during arterial AMI and demonstrates that MRI can be recommended for early diagnosis of these lesions.
Subject(s)
Ischemia/diagnosis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion/diagnosis , Acute Disease , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Early Diagnosis , Random Allocation , Rats , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare magnetic resonance (MR) enteroclysis with MR enterography to verify whether nasoenteric intubation in patients affected by Crohn's disease can provide supplementary information to that afforded by MR study of the small bowel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 12-month period, 40 patients (28 women and 12 men, mean age 35 years) affected by Crohn's disease underwent MR imaging. Distension of the small-bowel loops was obtained by administering polyethylene glycol: 15 patients were given the mixture by mouth (MR enterography), whereas the remaining 25 received it via nasoenteric intubation (MR enteroclysis). Our study protocol included morphological sequences taken before and after intravenous injection of contrast medium and real-time functional sequences. Accuracy criteria for the execution of the examinations were designed according to 11 bands. RESULTS: Complete distension of the small-bowel loops was obtained in the 25 patients who underwent MR enteroclysis, with the additional advantage of a suitable assessment of those segments involved in the pathological process. This was not the case for the 15 patients who underwent MR enterography, because both the jejunum and the small-bowel loops appeared partially collapsed. CONCLUSIONS: MR enteroclysis is the most effective technique for studying the small bowel in Crohn's disease, as it not only provides a suitable morphological assessment but also supplies functional information.
Subject(s)
Crohn Disease/pathology , Intestine, Small , Intubation, Gastrointestinal/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Adult , Chi-Square Distribution , Contrast Media/administration & dosage , Female , Gadolinium/administration & dosage , Humans , Male , Polyethylene Glycols/administration & dosage , Predictive Value of Tests , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Niemann-Pick disease type B is caused by a deficiency in acid sphingomyelinase activity; among the six variants of Niemann-Pick disease known to date, it is the most frequently associated with lung involvement, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this subtype in patients of all ages. Nevertheless, the vast majority of reports in the literature concern infantile forms, while less reported is, for several reasons, the onset in adults being consequently still poorly understood and characterized its clinical, radiographic and functional manifestations. We report a case of a 37 years-old female patient affected by subtype B since she was an infant, operated for aortic valve replacement two years before and came to our attention for the onset of a worsening exertional dyspnoea which proved, through a series of functional tests and radiological exams, to be a consequence of the diffuse lung involvement by the metabolic disorder; we performed a review on this topic through a Medline search of all the available "adult-onset" case reports published since the first description in 1964, also considering the possible association between NPDB and, more generally lysosomal storage disorders, and the valvular disease, already suggested by several Authors in previous works.
Subject(s)
Lung Diseases/etiology , Niemann-Pick Disease, Type B/complications , Adult , Age of Onset , Diagnosis, Differential , Disease Progression , Dyspnea/etiology , Female , Humans , Lung/pathology , Niemann-Pick Disease, Type B/diagnostic imaging , Niemann-Pick Disease, Type B/epidemiology , Niemann-Pick Disease, Type B/pathology , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The authors sought to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy in treating endometrial cysts and adopt this procedure as an alternative to surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with an average age of 25.2 years [standard deviation (SD) 6.5; range 16-40 years) and US diagnosis of endometrial cyst who were pregnant or presenting with high anaesthesia risk, adhesions or who refused surgery underwent US-guided aspiration of a total of 54 endometrial cysts (40 with transabdominal approach and the remaining 14 with transvaginal approach) and ethanol sclerotherapy. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all patients. Follow-up imaging was carried out at 12 h, 24 h, 15 days, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. After 12 months, four patients (8%) showed recurrence, three of whom opted for a second session of US-guided aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: US-guided aspiration and sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol provides a valid alternative to surgery in treating endometrial cysts.