The Radiographic Appearances of Bilateral Ureteroceles and Their Management in an Adult Patient Presenting With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.

A ureterocele is a congenital abnormality in which there is abnormal dilatation of the distalmost portion of the ureter, as it enters the urinary bladder. Patients present with frequent urinary tract infections, urinary retention, cyclical abdominal pains, failure to thrive, and hematuria. Ureteroceles are often diagnosed on antenatal ultrasound and sometimes postnatally on ultrasounds done in the setting of a urinary tract infection. This case describes a 51-year-old female who presented with recurrent urinary tract infections. Subsequent imaging with ultrasound, intravenous urogram, and computed tomography demonstrated features typical for bilateral ureteroceles.

The Importance of Imaging in the Detection of Intraoral Foreign Body.

Intraoral foreign bodies (IOFBs) can be seen incidentally on computed tomography (CT) imaging and may mimic pathology. It is therefore important to identify the imaging features of a comestible intraoral foreign body and differentiate them from true pathology to avoid unwarranted patient distress and further imaging or procedures that are unnecessary and costly. This case describes a 31-year-old male who presented to the emergency room following a fall from an eight-foot height, with loss of consciousness for five minutes and right periorbital edema. Subsequent CT imaging of the facial bones revealed multiple facial and orbital fractures as well as a circumscribed, ovoid, hyperdensity with internal air pockets within the inferior left buccal space, which was diagnosed as an intraoral foreign body. Here, we aim to highlight the imaging features of this particular case of comestible intraoral foreign body.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Thrombosis in a Patient With Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare and controversial vascular compression syndrome. In this condition, the median arcuate ligament compresses the celiac artery, resulting in symptoms such as postprandial abdominal pain, vomiting, and weight loss. Its diagnosis is based on clinical findings in conjunction with supporting radiological features such as elevated flow velocities on Doppler ultrasound and focal indentation of the proximal celiac artery with the typical 'hooked' or 'J'-shaped appearance on conventional angiography or computed tomography angiography (CTA). Herein is the case of a 44-year-old female who presented with early satiety, postprandial abdominal pain, vomiting, and weight loss. A computed tomography mesenteric angiogram (CTMA) showed thickening of the median arcuate ligament with a hooked appearance of the celiac artery and thrombosis of the mid to distal superior mesenteric artery with associated ischemia of a short segment of the jejunum. Subsequent Doppler ultrasound demonstrated elevated peak systolic velocities within the celiac artery over the compressed segment, which varied with respiration (end-inspiration: 234.3 cm/s and end-expiration: 373.5 cm/s).

Paclitaxel-Induced Pneumonitis in Trinidad: A Case Report.

Paclitaxel-induced pneumonitis (PIP) is an immune-mediated disease resulting from a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (type IV) to paclitaxel, an anti-microtubule chemotherapeutic drug commonly used to treat breast cancer in both neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. PIP is diagnosed by exclusion utilizing laboratory work-up, imaging, biopsy studies, and results of antibiotic therapy because there is no single diagnostic test. Ground-glass opacifications on CT, coupled with minimal restrictive disturbance with decreased diffusion on pulmonary function tests (PFTs), negative bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and bronchoscopy cultures, may assist physicians in diagnosing paclitaxel-induced pneumonitis. In this report, we describe a case of PIP present in Trinidad, West Indies, which has not been described previously in this region.

The Use of Contrast-Enhanced Multidetector Computed Tomography Imaging in Advanced Abdominal Pregnancy.

An advanced abdominal pregnancy is defined as an extrauterine pregnancy over twenty weeks gestation with a fetus living, or showing evidence of having once lived, in the mother's abdominopelvic cavity. Our case is a 35-year-old patient with a 23-week extrauterine pregnancy, with a congenital head defect (scaphocephaly and hydrocephalus), located in the left side of the maternal abdomen with a period of gestation of 23 weeks, who underwent preoperative imaging with contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (CE-MDCT). CT imaging provided significant information on the placenta and its arterial supply/venous drainage and confirmed the presence of an arteriovenous malformation of the right uterine artery. CT imaging also allowed planning of preoperative uterine artery coil embolization.

Choledocholithiasis in Pregnancy: A Case Report.

Cholelithiasis during pregnancy and the postpartum period has an incidence of 12%, with pregnancy being an important risk factor for gallstones. Patients with choledocholithiasis can experience complications, such as obstructive jaundice, cholangitis, and pancreatitis, which may be detrimental to both mother and fetus. A case of cholelithiasis in a second-trimester pregnancy was complicated by choledocholithiasis and obstructive jaundice. Ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), along with serial blood tests, confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment was safely achieved using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In pregnancy, complicated cholelithiasis is investigated using blood tests, ultrasonography, and cholangiography. Evidence supports the use of intraoperative or endoscopic cholangiography for the management of such complicated gallstone disease in pregnancy.

Case of a Giant Appendicolith.

Appendicoliths are calcified deposits located within the appendiceal lumen, usually measuring less than 1 cm in diameter. Appendicoliths greater than 2 cm in the largest diameter are uncommon and referred to as giant appendicoliths. Generally, patients with giant appendicoliths are asymptomatic, with these being detected incidentally on X-ray or computed tomography (CT). However, the presence of appendicoliths has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of developing appendicitis and is associated with more severe appendicitis. There is an increased incidence of appendicoliths in retrocecal appendices. This case report is of an adult male patient who presented with a three-day history of right iliac fossa pain, nausea, and decreased appetite. CT of the abdomen and pelvis showed acute appendicitis secondary to a calcified 3.1 cm giant appendicolith. Open appendicectomy was subsequently performed as the patient's financial constraints hindered a laparoscopic approach. The clinical outcome was successful with no postoperative complications, and the patient was discharged the following day. The patient was reviewed six weeks post-laparotomy with no complaints and was discharged from the surgical outpatient clinic.

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Trinidad: A Case Report.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immunologically mediated disease resulting from a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus. ABPA is identified by bronchial asthma, peripheral eosinophilia, high levels of serum immunoglobulin E, pulmonary infiltration, mucoid impaction, and central bronchiectasis. Diagnosing ABPA is important to consider since there are treatment options that are readily available and response to therapy yields positive results. We describe a case of ABPA present in Trinidad, West Indies, which was not described previously in the literature.

Uterine Lipoleiomyoma Presenting With Pelvic Pain in a Post-Menopausal Woman.

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are the most common tumor of the reproductive system in women between menarche and menopause. Uterine lipoleiomyomas are a rare variant of leiomyoma, consisting of smooth muscle cells admixed with adipocytes. Herein is the case of a 70-year-old female who presented with acute pelvic pain and a palpable pelvic mass. A computed tomography scan of her abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a large, circumscribed, fat and soft tissue density, uterine mass suggestive of a lipoleiomyoma. Histopathology examination of the resected specimen after total abdominal hysterectomy confirmed a mature lipoleiomyoma.

Spontaneous Massive Intrarenal Hemorrhage in a Patient With De Novo Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction.

This case represents an even rarer presentation of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), that of a spontaneous life-threatening hemorrhage into the renal pelvis of a patient with previously unknown UPJO. Unique to this patient was the emergent nature of the presentation, requiring life-saving surgery. A review of the literature follows a discussion of the case.

Jejunal Intussusception Due to Heterotopic Pancreas: A Case Report.

Intussusception in adults is rare. Even more unusual is jejunal intussusception secondary to a heterotopic pancreas. The presence of pancreatic tissue in an ectopic location and lacking contiguity with the main pancreatic gland is defined as pancreatic heterotopia. It is very rarely symptomatic and usually diagnosed incidentally during surgical intervention for other conditions. We report the case of a 78-year-old lady who presented with a history of constipation, abdominal pain, and vomiting. A CT scan revealed features of a proximal jejunojejunal intussusception secondary to a small soft tissue density lead point. After laparotomy and segmental jejunal resection, histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic pancreatic tissue as the lead point. Although uncommon, heterotopic pancreatic tissue should be included in the differential diagnosis for proximal small bowel intussusception.

Influence of ultraconservative access cavities on instrumentation efficacy with XP-endo Shaper and Reciproc, filling ability and load capacity of mandibular molars subjected to thermomechanical cycling.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of ultraconservative access cavities (UltraAC) on canal shaping and filling ability and load capacity of mandibular molars after root canal preparation with XP-endo Shaper (XP) or Reciproc (RC), under simulated clinical conditions. Traditional access cavities (TradAC) were used for comparison. METHODOLOGY: Forty extracted mandibular molars were scanned by micro-computed tomographic and, based on similar anatomical features, were divided into four groups (n = 10), according to the type of access cavity and canal instrumentation protocol: TradAC/RC, TradAC/XP, UltraAC/RC and UltraAC/XP. All root canal procedures were performed with the teeth placed in a dental mannequin. Teeth were scanned after root canal instrumentation and filling. Unprepared canal area, dentine removed, accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD), canal transportation, presence of voids and filling material remnants within the pulp chamber were analysed. After restorative procedures, the teeth were subjected to thermomechanical cycling and to a load capacity test. Statistical analyses were performed using two-way anova test, considering the randomized blocks design (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The percentage of unprepared canal area was significantly lower in TradAC groups when compared to UltraAC groups (P < 0.05), regardless of the instrument used. The UltraAC/XP group had significantly lower percentage of root dentine removed when compared to other groups (P < 0.05). UltraAC/XP and TradAC/XP groups had significantly lower percentages of AHTD than UltraAC/RC and TradAC/RC groups (P < 0.05). Regarding canal transportation, in the MB root canals, the TradAC/XP group had significantly lower values than other groups (P < 0.05). In general, in ML and distal root canals, TradAC/XP and UltraAC/XP groups had significantly lower values of canal transportation when compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the UltraAC/RC had the greatest canal transportation values in MB and distal canals. The UltraAC groups had significantly greater percentages of voids and volume of remaining root filling material within the pulp chamber after cleaning procedures than TradAC groups (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the load capacity amongst groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The UltraAC/XP and UltraAC/RC groups had significantly greater areas of unprepared canal walls, significantly more voids and volume of root filling material remnants within the pulp chamber after canal filling. UltraAC/XP was associated with significantly less root dentine removal and significantly more AHTD whilst TradAC/XP had overall significantly less canal transportation. No differences were observed in the load capacity amongst groups.

Gallbladder Adenomyomatosis Presenting With Abdominal Pain.

A previously well 50-year-old male presented with a six-year history of worsening right-sided upper abdominal pain, postprandial nausea, and early satiety. His blood tests, including full blood count, liver biochemistry, and serum amylase, were normal. CT of the abdomen with intravenous contrast demonstrated concentric segmental mural thickening of the body and fundus of the gallbladder, with intramural cystic foci (rosary sign). MRI of the abdomen demonstrated segmental gallbladder mural thickening with fluid-filled intramural diverticula (pearl necklace sign) and an hourglass configuration of the gallbladder, consistent with segmental gallbladder adenomyomatosis. The patient subsequently underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with histological confirmation of gallbladder adenomyomatosis, without evidence of malignancy. His postoperative recovery was uneventful.

The impact of minimally invasive root canal preparation strategies on the ability to shape root canals of mandibular molars.

AIM: To evaluate the use of a reduced taper endodontic instrument system (Bassi Logic™ .03 taper) and expandable heat-treated system (XP-endo Shaper) on the ability to shape canals in mandibular molars, by means of microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. The Reciproc system was used as the reference for comparison. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four mandibular molars were scanned in a micro-CT, matched based on similar anatomical features and sorted into three groups (n = 8 per group), according to root canal preparation system: Bassi Logic™ .03, XP-endo Shaper and Reciproc. The teeth were mounted onto a mannequin and the pulp chambers were accessed with traditional access cavities. In Bassi Logic™ .03 and Reciproc groups, mesial canals were prepared with size 25, .03 taper or R25 (size 25, .08v taper) instruments and the distal root canal with size 25, .03 taper and size 40, .03 taper or R25 and R40 (size 40, .06v taper), respectively. In XP-endo Shaper groups, all root canals were prepared with XP-endo Shaper (size 30, .04v taper). After root canal preparation, the teeth were rescanned. The percentage of untouched canal areas and the percentage of removed dentine were evaluated separately for mesial and distal root canals. The data were analysed using one-way anova and Tukey tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The Bassi Logic™ .03 group was associated with a greater percentage of untouched canal areas when compared to XP-endo Shaper and Reciproc groups for mesial and distal root canals (P < 0.05), but no differences were found between XP-endo Shaper and Reciproc groups (P > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the percentage of dentine removed amongst the groups for mesial and distal root canals (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of a reduced taper system (Bassi Logic™ .03) during root canal preparation resulted in a greater percentage of untouched canal areas when compared to XP-endo Shaper and Reciproc instruments. No differences were observed amongst the systems regarding the percentage of dentine removed.

Corioangioma placentario gigante. Reporte de un caso / Giant placental chorioangioma. A case report

Resumen Antecedentes: El corioangioma es el tumor placentario benigno más frecuente (1%). Cuando miden más de 5 cm pueden causar complicaciones materno-fetales, por lo que es importante establecer el diagnóstico prenatal. Caso clínico: Paciente de 25 años, atendida en el Hospital Español de Beneficencia de Pachuca, con fetometría de 19.2 semanas, acorde con el ultrasonido del primer trimestre. En la evaluación del estudio de imagen se observó edema craneal; área cardiacatorácica 0.55 (anormal), compatible con cardiomegalia severa. El ultrasonido Doppler materno mostró la placenta en localización anterior y una tumoración de 7.53 x 6.74 x 6.33 cm, con zonas hiper e hipoecoicas, que protruía la superficie fetal de la placenta, arriba de la inserción del cordón umbilical. Los vasos de alimentación con diámetro máximo de 3 mm, ubicados superficialmente y cerca de la inserción del cordón. En la valoración del ultrasonido Doppler fetal: ACM-PVS: 33.5 cm/s, 1.37 MoM, anemia leve y DV IP 1.02 (> p95 anormal); en la vena umbilical del cordón se observó flujo pulsátil, pool máximo de 5.81 cc y longitud cervical de 4 cm. Mientras se integraba un equipo multidisciplinario se acordó tratamiento expectante hasta el nacimiento; debido a las repercusiones hemodinámicas el feto falleció. El estudio histopatológico confirmó el diagnóstico de corioangioma (hemangioma placentario), de 7 cm de diámetro mayor. Conclusiones: Es importante reportar los casos de corioangioma placentario, con la finalidad de contribuir al conocimiento y estimar las tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad materno-fetal.

Abstract Background: Chorioangioma is the most common benign placental tumour (1%). If these are greater than 5 cm, it can cause various maternal-fetal complications, so it is important to perform your prenatal diagnosis. Clinical case: Female patient of 25 years-old, attended at the Hospital Español de Beneficencia de Pachuca with suggestive diagnosis with fetus of 19.2 weeks, according to the ultrasound of the first trimester; in the imaging study cranial oedema was observed; cardiac-thoracic area 0.55 (abnormal), compatible with severe cardiomegaly. The maternal Doppler ultrasound showed the placenta in the anterior location and tumour of 7.53 x 6.74 x 6.33 cm, with hyperechoic and hypoechoic zones, which protruded the fetal surface of the placenta, above the insertion of the umbilical cord; the feeding vessels with a maximum diameter of 3 mm, located superficially and close to the insertion of the cord. In the evaluation of fetal Doppler ultrasound: ACM-PVS: 33.5 cm/s, 1.37 MoM, mild anaemia and DV IP 1.02 (> p95 abnormal); In the cord umbilical vein pulsatile flow was observed, maximum pool of 5.81 cc and cervical length of 4 cm. While a multidisciplinary team was formed, expectant treatment was agreed upon until birth; however, soon after, the fetus died due to hemodynamic repercussions. The histopathological study confirmed the diagnosis of chorioangioma (placental hemangioma), 7 cm in greatest diameter. Conclusions: It is important to report the cases of placental chorioangioma, with the purpose of contributing with the knowledge and estimating maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality rates.

Impact of needle insertion depth on the removal of hard-tissue debris.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of depth of insertion of an irrigation needle tip on the removal of hard-tissue debris using micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) imaging. METHODOLOGY: Twenty isthmus-containing mesial roots of mandibular molars were anatomically matched based on similar morphological dimensions using micro-CT evaluation and assigned to two groups (n = 10), according to the depth of the irrigation needle tip during biomechanical preparation: 1 or 5 mm short of the working length (WL). The preparation was performed with Reciproc R25 file (tip size 25, .08 taper) and 5.25% NaOCl as irrigant. The final rinse was 17% EDTA followed by bidistilled water. Then, specimens were scanned again, and the matched images of the canals, before and after preparation, were examined to quantify the amount of hard-tissue debris, expressed as the percentage volume of the initial root canal volume. Data were compared statistically using the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: None of the tested needle insertion depths yielded root canals completely free from hard-tissue debris. The insertion depth exerted a significant influence on debris removal, with a significant reduction in the percentage volume of hard-tissue debris when the needle was inserted 1 mm short of the WL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The insertion depth of irrigation needles significantly influenced the removal of hard-tissue debris. A needle tip positioned 1 mm short of the WL resulted in percentage levels of hard-tissue debris removal almost three times higher than when positioned 5 mm from the WL.

Do smear-layer removal agents affect the push-out bond strength of calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers?

AIM: To evaluate the effect of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 2.25% peracetic acid (PA) or 10% citric acid (CA) on the push-out bond strength of calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers [MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) and Total Fill BC Sealer (FKG, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland)] to root dentine after different periods of immersion in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). AH Plus (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstaz, Germany) was used as a reference material for comparison. METHODOLOGY: Thirty human maxillary incisors were selected and three 1-mm discs were obtained from the middle third of each root. On the axial surface of each disc, three 0.8-mm-diameter holes were drilled through the dentine. After standardized irrigation, each dentine disc from the same root was treated for smear-layer removal with one of the three tested chelating solutions: EDTA, PA or CA. After that, the holes were dried with paper points and filled with one of the three test root canal sealers. The filled dental slices were further immersed in PBS solution (pH 7.2) for 7 days (T1) or 30 days (T2) at 37 °C, before the push-out assay. Friedman, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used respectively to estimate the impact of the independent variables (solutions, sealers and period of PBS immersion) on the push-out bond strength. The level for significance was set at α = 5% and data were further subjected to a Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Solutions and periods of immersion did not significantly influence the displacement resistance (P = 0.285, and P = 0.104, respectively) of sealers to root dentine. On the other hand, the type of sealer significantly affected the push-out bond strength (P = 0.000). AH Plus was associated with greater resistance to dislodgment compared with Total Fill BC Sealer and MTA Fillapex (P = 0.000). MTA Fillapex resulted in the lowest push-out bond strength (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The use of different chelating agents did not influence the push-out bond strength of endodontic sealers. Calcium silicate-based sealers had lower push-out bond strength values compared with a conventional epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus).

Pre-eruptive intracoronal resorption in a third upper molar: clinical, tomographic and histological analysis.

Radiolucent or hypodense lesions in the crown of unerupted teeth may be due to pre-eruptive intracoronal resorption. Clinicians must be aware of this risk so that they can diagnose and appropriately treat this condition. The purpose of this study is to present a well-documented clinical case of pre-eruptive intracoronal resorption in an impacted third upper left molar of a 63 year old female patient. This was an unexpected finding, which occurred after cone-beam computed tomography was used to investigate the first upper left molar, which had an acute periradicular abscess. A multidisciplinary team followed up the case to describe clinical, radiographic and histological findings. The available treatment options were discussed, and the tooth extraction was the option chosen. Previous case studies describing such resorption in third upper molars have not been reported. This case shows that all permanent teeth in a pre-eruptive stage must be analysed radiographically to detect early pre-eruptive intracoronal resorption.

Influence of working length and apical preparation size on apical bacterial extrusion during reciprocating instrumentation.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of reciprocating single-file instrumentation with different working lengths (WL) and apical preparation sizes on apical bacterial extrusion. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-eight human single-rooted pre-molars were used. Conventional access cavities were prepared, and the root canals were contaminated with an Enterococcus faecalis suspension and incubated at 37°C for 30 days. Teeth were then divided into four groups of 15 specimens each (Reciproc size 25, .08 taper and Reciproc size 40, .06 taper instruments were used at the foramen; Reciproc size 25, .08 taper and Reciproc size 40, .06 taper instruments were used 1 mm short of the foramen). Positive and negative controls consisted of four infected and four uninfected pre-molars that were instrumented according to each experimental group. Bacteria extruded from the apical foramen during instrumentation were collected into vials containing 0.9% NaCl. The microbiological samples were then incubated in a brain-heart agar medium for 24 h. The resulting bacterial titre, in colony-forming units (CFU) per mL, was determined, and these data were analysed using a Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test and a Kruskal-Wallis H-test. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. RESULTS: No growth was observed in the negative control group. All positive controls demonstrated bacterial growth after the experimental time interval. No significant difference was found in the number of CFU amongst all experimental groups (P = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the WL and the apical preparation size did not have a significant effect on bacterial extrusion when performing reciprocating instrumentation.

Shaping ability of single-file reciprocating and heat-treated multifile rotary systems: a micro-CT study.

AIM: To investigate changes in three-dimensional geometry, in various cross-sectional morphological parameters and in the centring ability of root canals prepared with different preparation systems using microcomputed tomographic imaging technology. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-four mesial canals of mandibular molars were matched based on similar morphological dimensions using micro-CT evaluation and assigned to four experimental groups (n = 16), according to the canal preparation technique: Reciproc, WaveOne, Twisted File and HyFlex CM systems. Changes in several 2D (area, perimeter, form factor, roundness, minor and major diameter) and 3D [volume, surface area, structure model index (SMI)] morphological parameters, as well as canal transportation, were compared with preoperative values using Kruskal-Wallis and anovapost hoc Tukey's tests with the significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: Preparation significantly increased all tested parameters in the experimental groups. No significant differences were observed between groups regarding changes in volume, surface area, SMI, form factor and roundness of the root canal after preparation (P > 0.05). In the apical third, the Reciproc group had significantly greater changes in canal area, perimeter, major and minor diameters than the other groups (P < 0.05). Overall, the Twisted File and HyFlex CM systems were associated with significantly less transportation than the reciprocating instruments, Reciproc and WaveOne (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Shaping procedures led to the enlargement of the root canal space with no evidence of significant preparation errors. Changes in 3D parameters were not different between groups whilst, in the apical third, Reciproc was associated with significantly greater changes in several 2D parameters compared to the other groups. Twisted File and HyFlex CM systems were able to maintain the original canal anatomy with less canal transportation than Reciproc and WaveOne; however, these differences are unlikely to be of clinical significance.