An atypical imaging characteristic of calvarial metastasis of neuroblastoma as multiple multi-loculated cystic masses with internal blood-fluid levels: a case report.

BACKGROUND: As the third most common malignancy of childhood, Neuroblastoma has a great propensity to metastasize to multiple organs. The most common site of metastasis is the bone and bone marrow. Concerning the central nervous system, neuroblastoma usually involves the calvarium and the external dural surface. The skull metastases may show different appearances, including: multiple lytic bone lesions, bone thickening, hair-on-end periosteal reaction, irregular suture widening and/or plaque like epidural deposits. Here we present a case of metastatic neuroblastoma, appearing as multiple multi-loculated cystic epidural masses with internal blood-fluid levels as a rare imaging manifestation of calvarial metastasis. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-year-old boy with known history of autism, presented to the emergency department with a 3-month history of intermittent fever, malaise and myalgia and headache along with significant weight loss. Laboratory examination revealed elevated ESR and CRP and anemia. On Abdomino-Pelvic imaging a well-defined, 45*30*24 mm, solid-cystic mass was observed, replacing the normal left adrenal gland. On brain MRI, multiple multi-loculated cystic, lentiform masses were observed on the external surface of cerebral hemispheric dura. Multiple fluid-fluid levels were noted in the locules in some of which the dependent fluid was hyperintense on T1w and FLAIR and hypointense on T2w sequences, compatible with blood, representing blood-fluid level. The wall and septa of the masses, enhanced after contrast administration. Associated abnormal marrow signal and aggressive type periosteal reactions were identified in the overlying bone. All of the lesions had increased uptake in MIBG scan. Bone marrow biopsy revealed small round cells, diagnostic for neuroblastoma. The patient underwent chemotherapy treatment. All calvarial/epidural metastatic lesions resolved after chemotherapy and residual adrenal tumor was resected. CONCLUSION: Cystic epidural lesions, especially when associated with adjacent abnormal bone marrow signal, or periosteal reaction and containing blood-fluid level should raise the suspicion of a calvarial metastasis.

Cholecysto-hepatic duct serving as the only drainage pathway of bile from the intrahepatic to the extrahepatic biliary system in an infant: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystohepatic duct is a rare anomaly of the biliary system which involves drainage of bile into the gallbladder which may be associated with agenesis of the common hepatic duct or common bile duct. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2.5-month-old infant presented to our emergency department with icterus. He had a history of esophageal atresia and imperforate anus which had been treated surgically by thoracotomy, esophagostomy, gastrostomy and colostomy placement. Following imaging studies by ultrasound and MRCP, the diagnosis of common hepatic duct agenesis was made. Cholecystohepatic duct was present as the solitary drainage pathway of bile from the intrahepatic to extrahepatic biliary system. CONCLUSIONS: Cholecystohepatic ducts need a high index of suspicion to be diagnosed on preoperative hepatobiliary imaging. As they may be asymptomatic, they are predisposed to iatrogenic injury during hepatobiliary surgeries.

Jejunal web as the cause of bowel obstruction in a toddler: Case report and brief literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Intestinal webs which are categorized under type-1 intestinal atresia rarely occur in the jejunum. These webs are occasionally diagnosed late because their central fenestration allows the passage of food. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a toddler who presented with atypical symptoms of bowel obstruction and non-specific plain radiograph and ultrasound findings. The diagnosis of jejunal obstruction was made possible with contrast-enhanced computed tomography and obstruction was found to be the result of a jejunal web at the surgery. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Few cases of jejunal webs are reported in the literature. The jejunum is the site of only 8% of webs and 33% of jejunal webs are associated with other congenital anomalies and/or prematurity. CONCLUSION: Jejunal web needs a high degree of suspicion to be diagnosed and should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in the setting of unexplained persistent non-bilious emesis in otherwise normal toddlers.

Effect of Baby Walker Use on Developmental Status based on Ages and Stages Questionnaire Score (ASQ).

OBJECTIVES: Baby walker is a popular device, which parents use for entertainment, keeping infants safe and walking promotion. We aimed to determine whether baby walker usage has any effect on the development using Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). MATERIALS & METHODS: We evaluated 107 one-yr-old infants in each baby walker user group and non-users (214 participants) using ASQ test of 12-month in Isfahan health centers for vaccination in 2017. We re-evaluated 168 infants at the age of 18-month using ASQ test of 18-month. The data of these groups were compared. RESULTS: Girls use baby walker more frequently (P=0.02). Baby walker usage was not significantly associated with parent's educational state, mother employment, birth rank of infant and delivery method. The starting age of baby walker use was 6.61 ± 1.46 months. ASQ results in area of gross movement and fine movement were not significantly different in users and non- users at age 12 and 18 months. CONCLUSION: Most parents believe baby walker can promote earlier walking, but based on current evidence this belief might not be true. Although most studies showed no developmental delay in baby walker users, parents should become aware of their possible negative effects and hazards.

Factors affecting dural sinus density in non-contrast computed tomography of brain.

The possibility of changing the intracranial vasculature computed tomography (CT) attenuation under the influence of variable factors is a long-held unestablished belief. The purpose of this study is to evaluate factors affecting dural sinus density in non-contrast computed tomography of the brain. Patients presented with acute neurologic symptoms to the emergency department were candidates to be enrolled in this study. A region of interest (ROI) measuring 1-2-mm2 recorder (base on sinus size) used to measure the attenuation of each sinus in Hounsfield Unit (HU) and then mean density calculated. CBC, BUN and Cr were extracted from patients' records. Chi-square test, correlation analyze, independent sample unpaired student t-test and one-way ANOVA test and Multivariate logistic regression were used. Positive significant correlation (0.48) was found between the hematocrit level (HCT) and average attenuation in the four sinus segments (P value < 0.0001) and between the HCT and basilar artery attenuation (P value < 0.0001). There was no significant correlation between the age and average attenuation. There was a significant and negative correlation between the BUN/Cr and average attenuation. Using a multivariate analysis on a large sample volume, we conclude that Hgb and HCT are the only factors that have a significant correlation with average sinus attenuation. This correlation is relatively stronger for Hgb in comparison to HCT.