Characterizing Normal Variant [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 Uptake in the Epididymis.

The biodistribution of fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET tracers includes the kidneys, bladder, uterus, breast, muscles, and bone marrow. We describe its occasional uptake patterns in the epididymis. Methods: Epididymal [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 uptake was retrospectively analyzed in 55 PET/CT studies of 55 men. Uptake intensity (SUV), pattern (diffuse, focal, or multifocal), laterality, and location (epididymal head with or without body/tail) were analyzed. Electronic medical records were reviewed to determine the presence of epididymis-related disease. Results: Epididymal [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 uptake was observed in 8 of 55 (15%) subjects, with bilateral epididymal head uptake in all cases and epididymal body/tail uptake in 6 of 8 (75%) cases, 5 of 6 (83%) bilaterally and 1 of 6 (17%) unilaterally. The average SUVmax was greater in the epididymal heads than in the epididymal bodies/tails, with an SUVmax of 4.1 versus 3.0 (P < 0.001). No subject had epididymal disease related to the uptake. Conclusion: [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 uptake in the epididymis occurs occasionally and does not appear related to epididymal disease.

MRI identification of pseudolesions in the distal tibia articular surface: Frequency and diagnostic criteria.

OBJECTIVE: Pseudolesions of joints are known as focal irregularities of chondral or subchondral bone in typical joint areas and occur frequent but without clinical relevance. This study aims to report the prevalence and describe MRI findings of a previously unreported chondral, mostly posterior located pseudolesion of the distal tibia, and to define criteria to distinguish it from pathologic osteochondral lesions, as well as from another known pseudolesion of this area - the so called "Notch of Harty". MATERIAL AND METHODS: A tri-centric retrospective case-control study included a total of 2,428 patients with ankle MRI examinations performed over a period of 6 years. MRI scans were evaluated by three radiologists in consensus for any cartilage irregularity of the distal tibial articular surface. For this purpose, the tibial articular surface was divided into 9 topographic regions. Proton-density weighted, fat-suppressed sequences in sagittal and coronal acquisition were used to assess the postero-medial articular surface of the tibia. Imaging features such as size and localization of cartilage irregularity and/or a cortical mould as well as presence of associated edema and/or subchondral cysts were reported. Demographic data (sex, age, and weight) was also recorded. Clinical data comprised presence of pain, movement impairment, and concomitant pathologies. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients (34 male, 34 female) with a lesion of the distal tibia were identified that had a new pseudolesion (prevalence of 3%). These lesions occurred most frequently (50 out of 68, 74%) in the postero-medial distal tibia plafond and were more commonly detected in the age group of 9-30 years (47%). In 13 of these 68 cases, the cartilage irregularity was the sole lesion without subchondral abnormalities. By defining these cases as definite pseudolesions, the prevalence was 1% and their age distribution was similar to that of the 55 other lesions with subchondral changes. Here with 11 of the 13 cases the majority (85%) were seen in the posterior part, especially in the postero-medial part (55%) of the distal tibia. The size of the cartilage defect ranged from 1 to 7 mm, and the majority (69%) sized from 2 to 3 mm. In 36 of 68 patients, we have seen subchondral alterations such as edema and/or cysts in addition to cartilage irregularity. 66% (n = 45) of these changes were edema and 37% (n = 25) were cysts. None of these 68 new pseudolesions with or without subchondral changes needed surgical or arthroscopic intervention. In the radiological and orthopaedic reports, clinical symptoms such as pain or instability were never associated with our observed lesions and there was no significant correlation between the presence of motion-related pain and imaging findings of cartilage irregularity, subchondral edema, and subchondral cysts. Thirteen patients had MRI follow-up examinations. Here the lesions did not show any MR morphological changes or clinical deterioration. Besides the new pseudolesion, which occured mainly in the posterior part of the tibia surface, we observed the "Notch of Harty" with a higher prevalence (25%) in our patient cohort. The typical localization was in the antero-medial tibial articular surface, without any edema or cysts. There were no coincidences of patients with both a new pseudolesion and the "Notch of Harty" CONCLUSION: A new pseudolesion is typically seen in the postero-central and postero-medial tibial articular surface with a prevalence of 3% and may be associated with only a small cartilage irregularity. In many cases, however, additional findings such as bone edema and/or an adjacent bone cysts were found, which impairs differentiation of these lesions from pathologic osteochondral lesions. The latter are obviously often associated with a larger cartilage defect and clinical symptoms. Due to the balanced age distribution between those pseudolesions with and without subchondral changes and the lack of clinical symptoms, we conclude that the here reported pseudolesions are not a predilection for a clinically manifest osteochondral lesion (OCL). At the very least, the apparent lack of clinical relevance increases the likelihood that we are dealing with a new true pseudolesion.

Anatomical Variant of Upper Humerus Notch in a Pediatric Case.

When a medical image is requested for a particular indication, and a bony lesion is seen in a child, it causes anxiety to caregivers, unnecessary imaging costs, and unneeded biopsy. We present a complicated course of a five-month-old child who initially presented to the emergency room for prolonged cough and underwent a chest x-ray demonstrating clear lungs; however, a right humerus lytic lesion was identified. The child underwent multiple diagnostic imaging work-ups, which revealed a normal bone variation. This case report will describe a benign upper humeral notch variant with the goal to familiarize radiologists and clinicians with this entity and encourage them to obtain contralateral view radiographs to confirm bilaterality, prevent unnecessary advanced imaging as well added cost and anxiety to the parents.

EEG normal variants: A prospective study using the SCORE system.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of normal variants in EEG recordings in a large cohort, and provide readers with typical examples of all normal variants for educational purposes. Methods: Using the SCORE EEG system (Standardized Computer-Based Organized Reporting of EEG), we prospectively extracted EEG features in consecutive patients. In this dataset, we analyzed 3050 recordings from 2319 patients (mean age 38.5 years; range: 1-89 years). Results: The distribution of the normal variants was as follows: sharp transients 19.21% (including wicket spikes), rhythmic temporal theta of drowsiness 6.03%, temporal slowing of the old 2.89%, slow fused transients 2.59%, 14-and 6-Hz bursts 1.83%, breach rhythm 1.25%, small sharp spikes 1.05%, 6-Hz spike and slow wave 0.69% and SREDA 0.03%. Conclusions: The most prevalent normal variants are the sharp transients, which must not be over-read as epileptiform discharges. Significance: EEG readers must be familiar with the normal variants to avoid misdiagnosis and misclassification of patients referred to clinical EEG recordings.

The S1S2S3 electrocardiographic pattern - Prevalence and relation to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases in the general population.

BACKGROUND: There is lack of studies exploring the incidence and association with diseases of the S1S2S3 electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern in the general population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This population study included 6299 individuals aged 30+, and explored the prevalence and association between S1S2S3 and cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Criteria for the S1S2S3-I and S1S2S3-II ECG pattern were fulfilled when there was an S wave in the leads I, II and III, and the S-wave amplitude was greater than the R-wave amplitude in one or two of the leads, respectively. RESULTS: The S1S2S3-I ECG pattern was found in 2332 subjects (36.9%). After age adjustment, hypertension was associated with S1S2S3-I (Odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% CI 1.12-1.41, p < 0.001). This age-adjusted association was statistically significant among men but not among women (OR 1.37, 1.16-1.62, p < 0.001 and OR 1.13, 0.97-1.33, p = 0.126, respectively). The S1S2S3-II ECG pattern was present in 193 subjects (3.1%). After age adjustment, heart failure proved to be associated with S1S2S3-II (OR 1.85, 1.18-2.90, p = 0.007). Dividing the population by sex, resulted in a statistically significant age-adjusted association for men but not for women (OR 2.30, 1.22-4.33, p = 0.010 and OR 1.59, 0.83-3.03, p = 0.159, respectively). Interactions with sex were statistically non-significant. CONCLUSION: In the general adult population, the prevalence of the S1S2S3 ECG pattern is markedly affected by the diagnostic ECG criteria. The S1S2S3-I pattern was associated with hypertension, while S1S2S3-II was associated with heart failure, and both associations were enhanced in men. The associations with other studied cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases were minor and not clinically useful for risk stratification.

Magnetic Resonance of Normal Variants of the Pediatric Knee.

Accurate diagnosis and management of pediatric patients undergoing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging necessitates familiarity with the normal changes of skeletal maturation and the spectrum of normal variation seen in children. This article reviews key patterns of normal bone and cartilage development. The most common and important variants of bone, cartilage, and soft tissue structures encountered on pediatric MR studies are discussed. Emphasis is placed on those variants that can be mistaken for pathology and those that may predispose to the development of symptoms.

Normal variant residual germinal matrix in extremely premature infants: radiographic features and imaging pitfalls.

BACKGROUND: As radiology volume from premature patients increases, previously undescribed imaging findings may be identified, posing diagnostic dilemma to the pediatric radiologist. OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of our study is to characterize the previously undescribed imaging finding of subependymal echogenicity at the floor of the frontal horns, which we postulate represents normal variant embryologic remnant residual germinal matrix. Furthermore, we hope to equip the pediatric radiologist with diagnostic criteria to distinguish this normal variant from pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of neonates at our institution over a 10 year period was performed to identify extremely premature infants who received head ultrasounds during their hospital stay. Clinical data from EPIC was collected on these patients in addition to retrospective review of their head ultrasound images. RESULTS: Literature review of neuroembryology and observed involution of the frontal horn subependymal echogenicity on sequential imaging inform our hypothesis that this imaging finding represents normal variant residual germinal matrix. Two-thirds of the 210 included extremely premature infants demonstrated this finding, which was frequently misinterpreted as grade 1 germinal matrix, intra-choroidal or intra-ventricular hemorrhage. Residual matrix was concomitantly present with additional pathology in 29.4% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Previously undescribed subependymal echogenicity at the floor of the frontal horns is favored to represent normal variant embryologic remnant residual germinal matrix. Since this finding may be misinterpreted as germinal matrix, intra-choroidal or intra-ventricular hemorrhage, it is essential for the interpreting radiologist to be aware of this normal variant and not confuse it for pathology.

Axial Spondyloarthritis: Mimics and Pitfalls of Imaging Assessment.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that predominantly involves the axial skeleton. Imaging findings of axSpA can be divided into active changes, which include bone marrow edema, synovitis, enthesitis, capsulitis, and intra-articular effusion, and structural changes, which include erosions, sclerosis, bone fatty infiltration, fat deposition in an erosion cavity, and bone bridging or ankylosis. The ability to distinguish between imaging lesions suggestive of axSpA and artifacts or lesions suggestive of other disorders is critical for the accurate diagnosis of axSpA. Diagnosis may be challenging, particularly in early-stage disease and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a key role in the detection of subtle or inflammatory changes. MRI also allows the detection of structural changes in the subchondral bone marrow that are not visible on conventional radiography and is of prognostic and monitoring value. However, bone structural changes are more accurately depicted using computed tomography. Conventional radiography, on the other hand, has limitations, but it is easily accessible and may provide insight on gross changes as well as rule out other pathological features of the axial skeleton. This review outlines the imaging evaluation of axSpA with a focus on imaging mimics and potential pitfalls when assessing the axial skeleton.

Pneumatized middle ear ossicle - A normal variant.

It is important to be familiar with normal anatomic variants in order to not to mistake them for pathology. It is well known that the middle ear ossicles have varying normal morphology on gross anatomy, but can also be malformed in certain congenital syndromes or eroded in the setting of chronic ear infection or cholesteatoma. This case series describes the pneumatized ossicle on imaging, a rare normal anatomic variant.

Differences in laboratory reporting standards leading to a difficult prenatal diagnosis for a patient with suspected 4p duplication.

Not all obstetric care facilities offer sufficient genetic counseling in Japan. When necessary, patients are referred to tertiary perinatal care centers for genetic counseling and further testing. Because each facility typically has an exclusive contract with a laboratory, the additional testing required may be performed at a different laboratory. With no reporting standards for normal chromosomal variants, differences between laboratories impede result interpretation, and clinical errors may occur. We present a case of a patient diagnosed with 46,XX,?dup (4)(p12p12) variant over two pregnancies. During the first pregnancy, the variant was determined to be a de novo, leading the parents to terminate the pregnancy. During the second pregnancy, further analysis revealed no 4p duplication, and we diagnosed as a normal variant, 4cenh+, inherited from the mother. Differences in reporting standards for a normal variant made evaluation of this patient difficult. Medical staff should be aware of this issue, and reporting standards should be standardized.

Normal variant distribution among elderly patients who visited Airlangga University Dental Hospital

Background and Objective@#A normal variant of the oral cavity in humans, especially when aging, indicates how the body adapts to the environment, a lifestyle, and irritation. This study aimed to examine the distribution of normal variants among elderly patients who visited Airlangga University Dental Hospital. @*Method@#This was a descriptive observational design study. Examination of oral soft tissue was performed on elderly dental patients who came to the hospital from January to December 2019. @*Results@#Sixty-eight (68) elderly patients, 60 years of age and over, 35 males and 33 females. The study identified 138 normal oral variations of soft tissues and oral structures. The three highest distributions obtained were coated tongue, lingual varicosities, and fissured tongue. @*Conclusion@#The normal variants of oral mucosa and oral structure in the elderly resulted from how the body adapted to the environment and the awareness of the systemic disease that might occur.

The analysis of chromosomal abnormalities in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, focusing on the prognosis of patients with inversion of chromosome (9).

PURPOSE: Inversion of chromosome 9 (inv[9]) is considered to be a normal variant, and the inv(9) in patients or husbands with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is believed to be harmless. However, there are few reports concerning the outcomes of pregnancy in patients with RPL when the patient or their partner has inv(9). In this study, we analyzed the outcomes of pregnancy in this patient population. METHODS: Chromosomal karyotyping was performed for 2006 couples with RPL (two or more consecutive early pregnancy losses including non-visualized cases) with their informed consent. The frequency of various chromosomal abnormalities in the patient population was then analyzed, and the outcomes of pregnancy in patients with inv(9) were investigated. RESULTS: The frequency of inv(9) in the overall population was 2.6% (52/2006). Thus far, 32 patients have conceived repetitively, resulting in live births in 23 cases and early pregnancy losses in nine cases. Four of the nine cases obtained a good outcome in the subsequent pregnancy. Thus, a successful outcome was obtained in 27 of the 32 (84.4%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that inv(9) has no adverse influence on subsequent pregnancy.

Analysis of the etiology and clinical characteristics of short stature / 临床儿科杂志

Objective To explore the etiology and clinical characteristics of short stature. Method Clinical data of 2075 children with short stature treated from May 1995 to July 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The etiology and morbidity of pathological short stature and normal variant short stature were analyzed. The clinical characteristics of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) , idiopathic short stature (ISS) , constitutional delay in growth (CDG) and familial short stature (FSS) were analyzed. The etiological differences between severe short stature [height standard deviation score (SDS) ≤-3] and general short stature (height SDS＞-3) were analyzed. Results Among 2075 children diagnosed with short stature, 1719 (82.84％) were pathological short stature, among which GHD (38.60％) and ISS (22.02％) were more common. Normal variant short stature was found in 356 children (17.16％) , with FSS and CDG accounting for 10.70％ and 6.46％ respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the sex ratio, age at initial diagnosis, height SDS, body mass index (BMI) , bone age and bone age delay among children with four common childhood short stature (GHD, ISS, CDG and FSS) (all P＜0.01) . Boys were more than girls in four kinds of childhood short stature. The height SDS was the lowest in GHD group and the highest in CDG group; BMI was highest in GHD group, but lower in CDG and ISS group. Bone age delay was highest in GHD group and lowest in CDG group. In severe short stature group, the rates of complete GHD, multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, small for gestational age infant, Turner syndrome, hypothyroidism and Russell-Silver syndrome were higher than those in general short stature group, but the rates of partial GHD, ISS, FSS and CDG was lower than those in general short stature group. Conclusion The etiology of short stature is complex. Analysis of the etiology and clinical features is helpful for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Cone-beam computed tomography and anatomical observations of normal variants in the mandible: variant dentists should recognize.

Many types of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) have recently been developed and are being used in many dental clinics. CBCT has significantly changed imaging diagnosis in dentistry by showing detailed structures in multiple dimensions with high spatial resolution. This allows dentists to confirm what cannot be recognized with conventional two-dimensional images, such as small neurovascular canals, the buccolingual location of structures/lesions, and the three-dimensional shapes of hard tissue structures. The aim of this study was to review the normal variants of detailed anatomical structures in relation with the mandibular canal by comparing the previous reports and anatomical evaluations. These structures are likely to be observed on CBCT images by dental practitioners prior to dental procedures involving the mandibular teeth and bone. Understanding the relationship of these structures is useful for dental practitioners and oral surgeons to reduce the possibility of causing damage and patient discomfort during dental procedures.

Adolescent knee pain: fracture or normal? A case report.

BACKGROUND: Knee injuries are the second to fourth most common injuries in youth soccer. In this population, sprains/strains, fractures and contusions are most common. Due to variations in the developing skeleton, it can be difficult to rule out fractures. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case of a 13-year-old presenting to the emergency department (ED) with patellar pain after pivoting during a soccer game. After radiographic clearance, he was allowed to return to sport. Following another fall and ED visit, his full leg was casted. He presented to a chiropractor after cast removal, who made recommendations for progressive rehabilitation owing to the lack of evidence for fracture on radiographs. SUMMARY: We suggest a thorough history, physical and Ottawa knee rules to determine whether radiographs are indicated in the management of a pediatric knee injury. Due to normal skeletal variance, we recommend bilateral radiographs and if findings are ambiguous, consultation with a radiologist to confirm clinical suspicions.

CONTEXTE: Les blessures au genou viennent au deuxième, troisième et quatrième rang des blessures courantes chez les jeunes joueurs de soccer. Dans cette population, les foulures ou entorses, les fractures et les contusions sont très fréquentes. En raison des variances de développement du squelette, il peut être difficile d'écarter les fractures. RÉSUMÉ DE CAS: On présente le cas d'un jeune de 13 ans admis dans un service des urgences (SU) en raison d'une douleur au genou apparue à la suite d'une torsion durant une partie de soccer. Après avoir constaté une absence d'anomalies sur les clichés radiographiques, on a autorisé le patient à jouer de nouveau au soccer. Mais l'automne suivant, lorsque ce patient a été admis de nouveau au SU, on a lui mis toute la jambe dans le plâtre. Il a consulté un chiropraticien après le retrait de son plâtre. Comme il n'y a avait aucun signe de fracture sur les radiographies, le chiropraticien lui a recommandé de suivre un programme de rééducation progressive. RÉSUMÉ: On recommande un examen minutieux des antécédents, un examen physique et l'utilisation des règles d'Ottawa pour le diagnostic des pathologies du genou pour savoir si la prise de radiographies est pertinente dans la prise en charge des blessures au genou chez l'enfant. En raison des variantes anatomiques de la normale, on recommande la prise de radiographies bilatéralement et si les résultats d'examen sont ambigus, la consultation d'un radiologue pour confirmer les soupçons.

Plicae palmatae on MRI in the pediatric population.

PURPOSE: To examine the presence of ridge of plicae palmatae (RPP) in pediatric population and evaluate its depiction rate and appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive pelvic MRI examinations of female patients aged 0-19 years between January 2005 and April 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with underlying diseases affecting the uterus and whose MRI data were not available on the picture archiving and communication system were excluded. Thus, 171 pelvic MRI cases were included (mean patient age, 11 years). Morphologic appearance of RPP was evaluated. RPP depiction rate was evaluated in the following age groups: group A, 0-2 years; B, 3-6 years; C, 7-10 years; and D, 11-19 years. Pearson Chi square test or Fisher's exact test was used to assess statistical significance of differences in RPP visualization frequencies between the groups using SPSS for Windows, version 11.0.0.1 J. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: RPP appeared as a folded structure rather than tumorous in all cases. Depiction rate varied according to age: group A, 8/21 (38.1%); B, 0/16 (0%); C, 6/24 (25.0%); and D, 62/110 (56.4%). Depiction rate in group B was the lowest and significantly lower than those in groups A and D. However, RPP was most frequently observed in group D, and was significantly more frequent than in groups B and C. CONCLUSION: RPP could be observed on MRI in a pediatric population, and careful interpretation is necessary in such cases, although no case with tumorous appearance was observed. Depiction rate varies according to age, probably reflecting uterine maturity.

Etiologies of short stature in a pediatric endocrine clinic in Southern Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Short stature is one of the common disorders referred for investigation of an endocrine disorder. The etiologies of short stature vary and are commonly grouped into pathological and non-pathological disorders. The objective of the study was to determine the etiologies and describe the characteristics of short stature patients who attended the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic and to compare factors between normal variant short stature (NVSS) and growth hormone deficiency (GHD). METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 572 patients referred for evaluation of short stature between January 2004 and December 2015. Short stature was defined as height below -2 standard deviation score (SDS) by gender and age based on population data of Thai children. RESULTS: In total, 521 patients were identified as having short stature. NVSS was the most common etiology (44.9%) and pathological short stature was found in 35.3% of the cases, of which 21.2% had GHD. The median age at presentation of NVSS patients was 8.6 years while that of pathological short stature patients was 2.1 years (p<0.001). Patients with NVSS had significantly higher median height SDS (HSDS) than patients with pathological diseases. The common etiologies in severe short patients, defined by HSDS ≤-3, were syndromic short stature (16.2%) and GHD (14.1%). In the moderate short stature group (HSDS between -2 and -3), constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) was the most common etiology (34.1%). CONCLUSIONS: NVSS was the most common etiology of short stature, followed by syndromic short stature and GHD. Physical examination is crucial to identify GHD from syndromic short patients.

Distal defect of the humerus, a possible normal variant: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Many normal variants of bones on plain radiographs have been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: In the current report, a 14-year-old Asian girl noticed an occasional slight elbow pain. She had no traumatic episode. Plain radiographs showed a well-defined osteolytic lesion with a sclerotic rim, which was continuous with the normal subarticular bone in the distal humerus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the defect area seen on the plain radiograph showed low-signal to iso-signal intensity on T1-weighted images and slightly high-signal intensity on T2-weighted fat suppression images. Bone edema was not observed. The association between her elbow pain and the lesion was not conclusive. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the images suggested that the lesion was a normal variant rather than osteochondritis dissecans or a neoplastic lesion, and possibly an anatomical counterpart of a dorsal defect of the patella.