Femur development in fetal growth restriction as observed on prenatal magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate human femur development in fetal growth restriction (FGR) by analyzing femur morphometrics and distal epimetaphyseal features on prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 111 fetuses (mean gestational age (GA), 27 + 2 weeks (range, 19-35 weeks)) with FGR associated with placental insufficiency without other major abnormalities and 111 GA-matched normal controls. On 1.5-Tesla echoplanar MRI, femur morphometrics, including diaphyseal length, epiphyseal length and epiphyseal width, were assessed. Using a previously reported grading system, epimetaphyseal features, including cartilaginous epiphyseal shape, metaphyseal shape and epiphyseal ossification, were analyzed qualitatively. To compare FGR cases and controls, the paired t-test was used to assess morphometrics, generalized estimating equations were used for epimetaphyseal features and time-to-event analysis was used to assess the visibility of epiphyseal ossification. RESULTS: There were significant differences in femur morphometrics between FGR cases and controls (all parameters, P < 0.001), with bone shortening observed in FGR. No significant differences were found in the distribution of epimetaphyseal features between FGR cases and controls (epiphyseal shape, P = 0.341; metaphyseal shape, P = 0.782; epiphyseal ossification, P = 0.85). Epiphyseal ossification was visible at a median of 33.6 weeks in FGR cases and at 32.1 weeks in controls (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: On prenatal MRI, cases with FGR associated with placental insufficiency exhibit diaphyseal and epiphyseal shortening of the femur. However, FGR cases and normal controls share similarly graded distal epimetaphyseal features. Consequently, these features may not be appropriate MRI characteristics for the identification of FGR. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

A principal components analysis: how pneumatization and edentulism contribute to maxillary atrophy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the role of sinus pneumatization and residual ridge resorption in maxillary bone loss in 400 computed tomography (CT) scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 200 dentate and 200 edentulous patients, both sinuses were analysed using CT scans. The image analysis sequence consisted of manual placement of 24 reference points, followed by automated segmentation and final manual refinement. Finally, a principal components analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 788 sinuses were included into the analysis. The edentulous group (98 female: 67.77 ± 11.28 years, 99 male: 65.22 ± 9.87) was significantly older than the group with teeth (99 female: 46.89 ± 16.77 years, 96 male: 49.74 ± 16.2). Female and male patients did not differ regarding age. The alveolar height differed significantly between the groups (edentulous: 7.1 ± 4.3 mm, with teeth: 9.7 ± 4.1 mm), but not between gender (female: 8.3 ± 4.4 mm, male: 8.5 ± 4.4 mm). Principal components analysis was able to explain 90% of the variation in sinus morphology. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged edentulism in the maxillary molar region leads to centripetal and to minor degrees centrifugal ridge resorption. Minor pneumatization occurs in the sinus walls, but the sinus depth underlies the anatomical variation independent of dentition.

Anatomical preconditions for the palatal sinus floor augmentation­A three-dimensional feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical feasibility of palatal sinus floor augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 100 men and 100 women, both sinuses were analyzed using computed tomography. The patients were divided into four anatomical groups according to the remaining alveolar bone height: group 1 (0 ≤ × < 4), group 2 (4 ≤ × < 8), group 3 (8 ≤ × < 12), and group 4 (≥12). RESULTS: The 400 maxillary sinuses consisted of 23.5% (n = 94) group 1, 42.75% (n = 171) group 2, 23.5% (n = 98) group 3, and 9.25% (n = 37) group 4 sinuses. Optimal anatomical preconditions for palatal sinus floor augmentations (i.e., ≥5 mm height and <5 mm thickness of the window lid) were found in 93.6% of group 1 sinuses, 73.7% of group 2 sinuses, 23.5% of group 3 sinuses, and 5.4% of group 4 sinuses. CONCLUSION: The palatal approach is feasible in 93.6% of patients with remnant alveolar height of up to 4 mm. Limitations are alveolar heights of ≤5 mm as well as great palatal thickness and thus limited dimensions for a possible palatal window.

Opacification of the middle ear and mastoid: imaging findings and clues to differential diagnosis.

Opacification of the middle ear and mastoid represents a spectrum of inflammatory, neoplastic, vascular, fibro-osseous, and traumatic changes. This article reviews the most important clinical and pathological characteristics, emphasizing CT and MRI findings. Knowledge of subtle patterns of middle ear and mastoid opacification at CT and MRI provide guidance towards the correct diagnosis.

Brain tumours at 7T MRI compared to 3T--contrast effect after half and full standard contrast agent dose: initial results.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the contrast agent effect of a full dose and half the dose of gadobenate dimeglumine in brain tumours at 7 Tesla (7 T) MR versus 3 Tesla (3T). METHODS: Ten patients with primary brain tumours or metastases were examined. Signal intensities were assessed in the lesion and normal brain. Tumour-to-brain contrast and lesion enhancement were calculated. Additionally, two independent readers subjectively graded the image quality and artefacts. RESULTS: The enhanced mean tumour-to-brain contrast and lesion enhancement were significantly higher at 7 T than at 3T for both half the dose (91.8 ± 45.8 vs. 43.9 ± 25.3 [p = 0.010], 128.1 ± 53.7 vs. 75.5 ± 32.4 [p = 0.004]) and the full dose (129.2 ± 50.9 vs. 66.6 ± 33.1 [p = 0.002], 165.4 ± 54.2 vs. 102.6 ± 45.4 [p = 0.004]). Differences between dosages at each field strength were also significant. Lesion enhancement was higher with half the dose at 7 T than with the full dose at 3T (p = .037), while the tumour-to-brain contrast was not significantly different. Subjectively, contrast enhancement, visibility, and lesion delineation were better at 7 T and with the full dose. All parameters were rated as good, at the least. CONCLUSION: Half the routine contrast agent dose at 7 T provided higher lesion enhancement than the full dose at 3T which indicates the possibility of dose reduction at 7 T. KEY POINTS: • The contrast effect of gadobenate dimeglumine was assessed at 7 T and 3T. • In brain tumours, contrast effect was higher at 7 T than at 3T. • Tumour-to-brain contrast at 7 T half dose and 3T full dose were comparable. • 7 T half dose lesion enhancement was higher than 3T full dose enhancement. • Our results indicate the possibility of contrast agent dose reduction at 7 T.

Penile biometry on prenatal magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: In view of the implementation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an adjunct to ultrasonography in prenatal diagnosis, this study sought to demonstrate normal penile growth on prenatal MRI. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of MRI of 194 male fetuses (18-34 weeks' gestation) with normal anatomy or minor abnormalities. On sagittal T2-weighted MRI sequences, we measured penile length from the glans tip to the scrotal edge (outer length) and from the glans tip to the symphyseal border (total length). Descriptive statistics, as well as correlation and regression analysis, were used to evaluate penile length in relation to gestation. T-tests were calculated to compare mean outer/total length on MRI with published ultrasound data. RESULTS: Mean length values, including 95% CIs and percentiles, were defined. Penile length as a function of gestational age was expressed by the following regression equations: outer mean length = - 5.514 + 0.622 × gestational age in weeks; total mean length = - 8.865 + 1.312× gestational age in weeks. The correlation coefficients, r = 0.532 and r = 0.751, respectively, were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Comparison of outer penile length on MRI with published ultrasound penile length data showed no significant differences, while total penile length on MRI was significantly greater than ultrasound penile length (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our MRI results provide a reference range of fetal penile length, which, in addition to ultrasonography, may be helpful in the identification of genital anomalies. Outer penile length on MRI is equivalent to penile length measured on ultrasound, whereas total length is significantly greater.

Female external genitalia on fetal magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the normal development of the female external genitalia on fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: This retrospective study included MRI examinations of 191 female fetuses (20-36 gestational weeks) with normal anatomy or minor abnormalities, following suspicion of anomalies on prenatal ultrasound examination. Using a 1.5-Tesla unit, the bilabial diameter was measured on T2-weighted sequences. Statistical description, as well as correlation and regression analyses, was used to evaluate bilabial diameter in relation to gestational age. MRI measurements were compared with published ultrasound data. The morphological appearance and signal intensities of the external genitalia were also assessed. RESULTS: Mean bilabial diameters, with 95% CIs and percentiles, were defined. The bilabial diameter as a function of gestational age was expressed by the regression equation: bilabial diameter = - 11.336 + 0.836 × (gestational age in weeks). The correlation coefficient, r = 0.782, was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Bilabial diameter on MRI was not significantly different from that on ultrasound (P < 0.001). In addition, on MRI we observed changes in morphology of the external genitalia and in signal intensities with increasing gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: We have provided a reference range of fetal bilabial diameter on MRI, which, in addition to ultrasound findings, may be helpful in the identification of genital anomalies.

Male sexual development in utero: testicular descent on prenatal magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To visualize in utero male fetal testicular descent on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate it with gestational age. METHODS: This retrospective study included 202 MRI examination results of 199 male fetuses (17-39 gestational weeks) with normal anatomy or minor congenital abnormalities, following suspicion of anomalies on prenatal ultrasound examination. Using a 1.5-Tesla unit, multiplanar T2-weighted sequences were applied using a standard protocol to image and identify the scrotal content. The relative frequencies of unilateral and bilateral testicular descent were calculated and correlated with gestational age. RESULTS: Between 17 and 25 gestational weeks, neither unilateral nor bilateral testicular descent was visualized on MRI. Testicular descent was first observed at 25 + 4 weeks, in 7.7% of cases. 12.5% of 27-week fetuses showed unilateral descent and 50% showed bilateral descent. Bilateral descent was observed in 95.7% of cases, on average, from 30 to 39 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Our results chart the time course of testicular descent on prenatal MRI, which may be helpful in the identification of normal male sexual development and in the diagnosis of congenital abnormalities, including the early detection of cryptorchidism.

Abnormalities of the upper extremities on fetal magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: In view of the increasing use of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an adjunct to prenatal ultrasonography, we sought to demonstrate the visualization of upper extremity abnormalities and associated defects on MRI, with regard to fetal outcomes and compared with ultrasound imaging. METHODS: This retrospective study included 29 fetuses with upper extremity abnormalities visualized with fetal MRI following suspicious ultrasound findings and confirmed by postnatal assessment or autopsy. On a 1.5-Tesla unit, dedicated sequences were applied to image the extremities. Central nervous system (CNS) and extra-CNS anomalies were assessed to define extremity abnormalities as isolated or as complex, with associated defects. Fetal outcome was identified from medical records. MRI and ultrasound findings, when available, were compared. RESULTS: Isolated upper extremity abnormalities were found in three (10.3%) fetuses. In 26 (89.7%) fetuses complex abnormalities, including postural extremity disorders (21/26) and structural extremity abnormalities (15/26), were demonstrated. Associated defects involved: face (15/26); musculoskeletal system (14/26); thorax and cardio/pulmonary system (12/26); lower extremities (12/26); brain and skull (10/26); and abdomen (8/26). Of the 29 cases, 18 (62.1%) pregnancies were delivered and 11 (37.9%) were terminated. MRI and US findings were compared in 27/29 cases: the diagnosis was concordant in 14 (51.9%) of these cases, and additional findings were made on MRI in 13/27 (48.1%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Visualization of upper extremity abnormalities on fetal MRI enables differentiation between isolated defects and complex ones, which may be related to poor fetal prognosis. MRI generally confirms the ultrasound diagnosis, and may provide additional findings in certain cases.

Computational radiology in skeletal radiography.

Recent years have brought rapid developments in computational image analysis in musculo-skeletal radiology. Meanwhile the algorithms have reached a maturity that makes initial clinical use feasible. Applications range from joint space measurement to erosion quantification, and from fracture detection to the assessment of alignment angles. Current results of computational image analysis in radiography are very promising, but some fundamental issues remain to be clarified, among which the definition of the optimal trade off between automatization and operator-dependency, the integration of these tools into clinical work flow and last not least the proof of incremental clinical benefit of these methods.

[Cranial nerves - spectrum of inflammatory and tumorous changes]. / Hirnnerven - Spektrum entzündlicher und tumoröser Veränderungen.

Inflammatory processes as well as primary and secondary tumorous changes may involve cranial nerves causing neurological deficits. In addition to neurologists, ENT physicians, ophthalmologists and maxillofacial surgeons, radiologists play an important role in the investigation of patients with cranial nerve symptoms. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow the depiction of the cranial nerve anatomy and pathological neural changes. This article briefly describes the imaging techniques in MDCT and MRI and is dedicated to the radiological presentation of inflammatory and tumorous cranial nerve pathologies.

Gadoxate-enhanced T 1-weighted MR cholangiography: comparison of 1.5 T and 3.0 T.

PURPOSE: To qualitatively and quantitatively compare gadoxate-enhanced T 1-weighted MR cholangiography at magnetic field strengths of 1.5 T and 3.0 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients with a non-dilated biliary system were retrospectively included in the study. T 1-weighted MR cholangiography 20 min after IV administration of 0.025 mmol/kg gadoxate (Primovist) was performed in 20 patients at 1.5 T and in another 20 patients at 3.0 T. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of the biliary system (common bile duct - CBD, right hepatic duct - RHD, left hepatic duct - LHD) compared to the periductal tissue were measured. Two radiologists also qualitatively assessed the visibility of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary system using a six-point rating scale. The Mann-Whitney U-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The CNRs of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic hepatic bile ducts were significantly higher at 3.0 T. Qualitative analysis showed a significant superiority for 3.0 T in the delineation of the intrahepatic biliary system (RHD, LHD, segmental ducts). CONCLUSION: Gadoxate-enhanced T 1-w MR cholangiography at 3.0 T offers better delineation of the intrahepatic biliary system in comparison to imaging at 1.5 T.

[Pathological changes of the hypopharynx in the focus of imaging]. / Pathologische Veränderungen des Hypopharynx im Brennpunkt der Bildgebung.

The spectrum of pathological changes in anatomical sections of the hypopharynx ranges from benign pathologies to hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Beside the clinical status and the endoscopic evaluation performed by ear, nose and throat specialists, imaging techniques play an important role in pre-therapeutic and post-therapeutic diagnostics and in the follow-up of pharyngeal disease patterns, especially for malignant lesions. A conventional x-ray swallow examination, contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as positron emission tomography (PET) and positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) are applied depending on the medical question and disease. Especially in radiological oncology, it is extremely important in regions which are clinically difficult to assess to determine the exact localization and extent of hypopharyngeal pathologies to plan the optimal therapy for the patient. This article demonstrates the radiological appearance of pathological changes of the hypopharynx and discusses in particular the hypopharynx carcinoma in the focus of pre-therapeutic and post-therapeutic imaging.

[Radiological normal anatomy of the larynx and pharynx and imaging techniques]. / Radiologische Normalanatomie des Larynx und Pharynx sowie bildgebende Techniken.

The larynx and the pharynx represent anatomically as well as functionally a very complex organ which serves as an airway and a nutrition channel. Knowledge of anatomy and anatomical topography is therefore a fundamental basis for the evaluation of any pathological process. Beside the clinical examination and endoscopy performed by ear, nose and throat specialists, imaging techniques play a crucial role in pre-therapeutic and post-therapeutic diagnostics. The radiologist employs a conventional x-ray swallow examination, as well as contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), depending on the medical problem in question. The following article demonstrates the functional and especially the structural anatomy of the larynx and the pharynx. Furthermore, the broad range of imaging techniques in clinical use is discussed.

[Radiological diagnostics of malignant tumors of the musculoskeletal system in childhood and adolescence]. / Radiologische Diagnostik maligner Tumoren des Muskuloskelettalsystems im Kindes- und Adoleszentenalter.

Rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma are the most common malignant tumors of the musculoskeletal system in childhood and adolescence representing about 10% of newly diagnosed cancers in children and adolescents.In the last two decades the prognosis of patients with such malignancies improved significantly. On the one hand because of the advances in chemotherapy and orthopedic surgery, on the other hand also because of the innovations in radiological diagnostics. The precise pre-therapeutical staging of tumors of the musculoskeletal system provides important prognostic information and has impact on the entire therapy management. During respectively after therapy, imaging is extremely important in the follow-up and in diagnosing a possible recurrent disease.Modern imaging diagnostics of musculoskeletal tumors basically consist of conventional X-ray, of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and of modalities of nuclear medicine such as szintigraphy, positron emission tomography (PET) and PET CT.

[Postoperative imaging of paranasal sinuses]. / Postoperative Bildgebung der Nasennebenhöhlen.

The radiological interpretation of postoperative changes of the paranasal sinuses requires knowledge of why and how the surgical intervention was performed and what the basic clinical findings were. It is important to know whether there was an inflammation, a reconstructive procedure, or a tumorous process. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) evaluated in a high-resolution bone window level setting represents the method of choice for imaging after nonfunctional and functional procedures after inflammatory changes as well as for imaging after reconstructive surgery because of facial trauma or before dental implantation. In the postoperative follow-up of tumor patients contrast-enhanced MDCT evaluated in a soft tissue window and bone window and especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represent the standard. In many cases it is possible to differentiate tumor recurrence from inflammation with the help of contrast-enhanced multiplanar MRI and to detect bone marrow changes prior to CT.

[Benign and malignant lesions in the region of the inner ear and cerebellopontine angle]. / Benigne und maligne Veränderungen der Innenohr- und Kleinhirnbrückenwinkelregion.

Tumorous lesions in the region of the inner ear and cerebellopontine angle are very rare and can be classified into benign and malignant disease forms. This contribution presents and explains the CT and MRI characteristics of these tumors.High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in the axial projection is applied for evaluation in the high-resolution bone window. The coronary slices can be reconstructed from the axial datasets or in individual cases examined in the coronary plane.HRCT excellently demonstrates osseous lesions and in individual cases - e.g., exostoses - it can simply suffice to perform HRCT of the temporal bone, while HRCT is also excellent for detecting osseous lesions to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.MRI, on the other hand, excellently shows the extent of tumor spread because of its superb soft tissue contrast. Consequently, HRCT and MRI images of the inner ear and cerebellopontine angle provide meaningful information for visualization and classification of tumorous lesions. The two methods should not be considered as competing but rather as complementary and among other aspects exert considerable influence on the therapeutic approach.

[Hürthle's tumors of the thyroid: a clinical case and review of the literature]. / Tumori di Hürthle della tiroide: caso clinico e revisione della letteratura.

Hürthle tumors of the thyroid gland are uncommon lesions, histologically related to the well differentiated types of thyroid malignancies. Lesions predominantly composed of Hürthle cells are difficult for pathologists to be diagnosed and, consequently, for surgeons to be properly treated. In this report a case of Hürthle cell carcinoma was firstly treated with hemithyroidectomy plus isthmectomy; once frozen section examination revealed signs of malignancy a total thyroidectomy was performed.

Antimicrobial activity of naphthoquinones from fusaria.

Twenty-two naphthoquinone compounds isolated or derived synthetically from culture extracts of Fusarium solani and F. oxysporum were examined for antimicrobial activity. Fifteen exhibited antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and 12 were active against Streptococcus pyogenes, but none were active at the highest rate of 128 micrograms/ml against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia marcescens, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Of 8 plant pathogenic bacteria tested against 11 naphthoquinones, Corynebacterium poinsettiae was inhibited by 6 compounds, and Pseudomonas viridiflava was weakly inhibited by one. Only one of a group of 6 fluorescent soil pseudomonads was inhibited by one naphthoquinone. Antifungal activity of 10 compounds against 8 fungal plant pathogens was limited to inhibition of Phytophthora parasitica by one naphthopyran.