World journal of radiology最新文献

Background: Several studies found that early pancreatic atrophy detected by computed tomography (CT) within 6 months was associated with a high incidence of diabetes in patients with type-1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) receiving steroid therapy; however, no long-term follow-up studies have been performed.

Aim: To investigate pancreatic volume (PV) changes using three dimensional (3D)-CT volumetry and their relationship with IgG4 and diabetes in patients with AIP.

Methods: This retrospective study included 33 patients with type-1 AIP receiving steroid therapy. Patients were divided into diffuse (D-type) and mass-forming type (M-type) AIP. PV was determined by semi-automated 3D-CT volumetry, and changes between initial and follow-up values were calculated. The relationship between PV and serum IgG4 levels was analyzed by Spearman's rank correlation. The PV atrophy ratio compared with the presumed normal PV at the time of last follow-up CT and its relationship with diabetes were investigated.

Results: There were 16 D-type and 17 M-type patients with long-term follow-up (mean, 95.8 months). The regression curve of mean relative PV change reduced exponentially and rapidly during the first 25 months and then more slowly in both groups. The overall cumulative pancreas re-enlargement rates at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years were 6.1%, 12.2%, 29.2%, 47.5% and 55.0%, respectively. There was a moderate-to-very strong positive correlation (ρ ≥ 0.4) between PV and serum IgG4 levels in nine (9/13, 69.2%) patients. All 33 patients showed pancreatic atrophy (mean 59.3%) after long-term follow-up. Patients with D-type AIP had a significantly higher atrophy rate and higher incidence of diabetes than M-type patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: PV change initially reduced exponentially and then more slowly and is considered an important factor associated with diabetes. Serum IgG4 levels were positively correlated with PV during follow-up.

In this article, we comment on the article by Ono et al. We focus specifically on the carbon ion radiotherapy studies and the method to calculate the dosing schedule. While photon hypofractionated radiotherapy in prostate cancer has demonstrated improvement in tumor control with reduced gastrointestinal toxicity compared to conventional radiotherapy, carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) offers additional physical and biological advantages. Recent findings, including those from Ono et al, have established new dose constraints of CIRT for prostate cancer treatment and risk factors for rectal bleeding. Due to limited data on CIRT dosing, this study underscores the need for more research to refine dose calculation methods and better understand their effects on clinical outcomes.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a special type of chronic pancreatitis with clinical symptoms of obstructive jaundice and abdominal discomfort; this condition is caused by autoimmunity and marked by pancreatic fibrosis and dysfunction. Previous studies have revealed a close relationship between early pancreatic atrophy and the incidence rate of diabetes in type 1 AIP patients receiving steroid treatment. Shimada et al performed a long-term follow-up study and reported that the pancreatic volume (PV) of these patients initially exponentially decreased but then slowly decreased, which was considered to be an important factor related to diabetes; moreover, serum IgG4 levels were positively correlated with PV during follow-up. In this letter, regarding the original study presented by Shimada et al, we present our insights and discuss how multimodal medical imaging and artificial intelligence can be used to better assess the relationship between pancreatic morphological changes and diabetes in patients with AIP.

Background: Incidental pulmonary nodules are an increasingly common finding on computed tomography (CT) scans of the thorax due to the exponential rise in CT examinations in everyday practice. The majority of incidental pulmonary nodules are benign and correctly identifying the small number of malignant nodules is challenging. Ultra-low-dose CT (ULDCT) has been shown to be effective in diagnosis of respiratory pathology in comparison with traditional standard dose techniques. Our hypothesis was that ULDCT chest combined with model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) is comparable to standard dose CT (SDCT) chest in the analysis of pulmonary nodules with significant reduction in radiation dose.

Aim: To prospectively compare ULDCT chest combined with MBIR with SDCT chest in the analysis of solid pulmonary nodules.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on adult patients (n = 30) attending a respiratory medicine outpatient clinic in a tertiary referral university hospital for surveillance of previously detected indeterminate pulmonary nodules on SDCT chest. This study involved the acquisition of a reference SDCT chest followed immediately by an ULDCT chest. Nodule identification, nodule characterisation, nodule measurement, objective and subjective image quality and radiation dose were compared between ULDCT with MBIR and SDCT chest.

Results: One hundred solid nodules were detected on ULDCT chest and 98 on SDCT chest. There was no significant difference in the characteristics of correctly identified nodules when comparing SDCT chest to ULDCT chest protocols. Signal-to-noise ratio was significantly increased in the ULDCT chest in all areas except in the paraspinal muscle at the maximum cardiac diameter level (P < 0.001). The mean subjective image quality score for overall diagnostic acceptability was 8.9/10. The mean dose length product, computed tomography volume dose index and effective dose for the ULDCT chest protocol were 5.592 mGy.cm, 0.16 mGy and 0.08 mSv respectively. These were significantly less than the SDCT chest protocol (P < 0.001) and represent a radiation dose reduction of 97.6%.

Conclusion: ULDCT chest combined with MBIR is non-inferior to SDCT chest in the analysis of previously identified solid pulmonary nodules and facilitates a large reduction in radiation dose.

Background: The appendix vermiformis is a part of the gastrointestinal tract, situated in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Acute appendicitis, acute inflammation of the appendix vermiformis, is the most common cause of acute abdomen requiring surgical intervention. Although computed tomography (CT) offers high diagnostic efficacy in assessing the appendix across various anatomical positions, it also involves radiation exposure. Reducing exposure factors and narrowing the field of view (FOV) are ways to decrease the radiation dose to the patient. To narrow the FOV, appendix locations within the population must be defined using metric markers.

Aim: To determine the location of the appendix vermiformis on CT using the vertebrae and the right iliac bone as anatomical landmarks.

Methods: This retrospective study examined 470 patients presenting with abdominal pain who underwent abdominal CT scans between January 01, 2015 and January 01, 2018. Forty-three patients were excluded due to various reasons. The most superior and inferior points and the origin of the appendix were measured separately in relation to the vertebrae and right iliac bone for localization. The population was divided into normal and acute appendicitis groups, and the relationship between appendix location and anthropometric parameters relationship was examined. P values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The final analysis included 427 adult patients (206 females and 221 males) with a mean age of 42.1 ± 19.5 years. An ascending appendix course was the most common (90.4%). The appendix ranged from the L2 vertebral body level to the coccygeal vertebral level relative to the vertebrae. The appendix ranged between (-) 140.5 mm and (+) 87.4 mm relative to the right iliac bone. A negative correlation was found between patient age, height, body mass index, and the highest and lowest points of the appendix in regard to the vertebrae.

Conclusion: The study's findings unveiled the locations of the appendix in the population in relation to the bony anatomical landmarks. These data can be used as the basis for future research aimed at reducing patient exposure to ionizing radiation.

Background: Small bowel bezoar obstruction (SBBO) is a rare clinical condition characterized by hard fecal masses in the small intestine, causing intestinal obstruction. It occurs more frequently in the elderly and bedridden patients, but can also affect those with specific gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Diagnosing SBBO is challenging due to its clinical presentation, which mimics other intestinal obstructions. While surgical intervention is the typical treatment for SBBO, advancements in endoscopic techniques have led to increased use of non-surgical methods, such as endoscopic lithotripsy.

Case summary: We report a case of small bowel obstruction induced by a phytobezoar. A 49-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes and long-term persimmon consumption presented to the hospital with symptoms of vomiting, abdominal distension, and constipation. Computed tomography revealed a small bowel obstruction with foreign bodies. Double balloon enteroscopy identified a phytobezoar blocking the intestinal lumen. The bezoar was successfully fragmented using a snare, and the fragments were treated with 100 mL of paraffin oil to facilitate their passage. This case report aims to enhance the understanding of this rare condition by detailing the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and treatment outcomes of a patient with SBBO. Special attention is given to the application and effectiveness of non-surgical treatment methods, along with strategies to optimize patient management.

Conclusion: Double balloon enteroscopy combined with sequential laxative therapy is an effective approach for the treatment of a breakable phytobezoar.

As the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a significant global health challenge. This paper provides an introduction and comprehensive review of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with Yttrium-90 (Y90), a widely performed transcatheter procedure for HCC patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery. TARE involves the targeted delivery of radioactive microspheres to liver tumors, offering a promising treatment option for managing HCC across various stages of the disease. By evaluating Y90 TARE outcomes across early, intermediate, and advanced stages of HCC, the review aims to present a thorough understanding of its efficacy and safety. Additionally, this paper highlights future research directions focusing on the potential of combination therapies with systemic and immunotherapies, as well as personalized treatments. The exploration of these innovative approaches aims to improve treatment outcomes, reduce adverse events, and provide new therapeutic opportunities for HCC patients. The review underscores the importance of ongoing research and clinical trials to optimize TARE further and integrate it into comprehensive HCC treatment paradigms.

Background: High complex anal fistulas are epithelialized tunnels, with the main fistula piercing above the deep external sphincter and the internal opening approaching the dentate line. Conventional surgical procedures for high complex anal fistulas remove most of the external sphincter and damage the anorectal ring. Postoperative loss of anal function can cause physical and mental damage. Transanal opening of the intersphincteric space (TROPIS) is an effective procedure that completely preserves the external anal sphincter. However, its clinical application is limited by challenges in the localization of the internal opening of a fistula and the high risk of complications. On the basis of our clinical experience, we modified the TROPIS procedure for the treatment of treating high complex anal fistulas.

Case summary: A patient with a high complex anal fistula located above the anorectal ring underwent modified TROPIS, which involved sepsis drainage and identification of the internal opening in the intersphincteric space. The patient with the high complex anal fistula recovered well postoperatively, without any postoperative complications or anal dysfunction. Anal function returned to normal after 17 months of follow-up.

Conclusion: The modified TROPIS procedure is the most minimally invasive surgery for anal fistulas that minimally impairs anal function. It allows the complete removal of infected anal glands and reduces the risk of postoperative complications. Modified TROPIS via the intersphincteric approach is an alternative sphincter-preserving treatment for high complex anal fistulas.

Background: Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by tearing of the intimal layer of the vertebral artery, leading to stenosis, occlusion or rupture. The clinical presentation of VAD can be heterogeneous, with common symptoms including headache, dizziness and balance problems. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes; however, VAD is often missed due to its variable clinical presentation and lack of robust diagnostic guidelines. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) has emerged as a reliable diagnostic tool for VAD, providing detailed visualization of vessel wall abnormalities.

Case summary: A young male patient presented with an acute onset of severe headache, vomiting, and seizures, followed by altered consciousness. Imaging studies revealed bilateral VAD, basilar artery thrombosis, multiple brainstem and cerebellar infarcts, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed vertebral artery stenosis but failed to detect the dissection, potentially because intramural thrombosis obscured the VAD. In contrast, HRMRI confirmed the diagnosis by revealing specific signs of dissection. The patient was managed conservatively with antiplatelet therapy and other supportive measures, such as blood pressure control and pain management. After 5 mo of rehabilitation, the patient showed significant improvement in swallowing and limb strength.

Conclusion: HR-MRI can provide precise evidence for the identification of VAD.