OBJECTIVE: We comprehensively characterized a large pediatric cohort with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 1 to expand the phenotypic spectrum and to identify predictors of postsurgical outcomes. METHODS: We included pediatric patients with histopathological diagnosis of isolated FCD type 1 and at least 1 year of postsurgical follow-up. We systematically reanalyzed clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological features. The results of this reanalysis served as independent variables for subsequent statistical analyses of outcome predictors. RESULTS: All children (N = 31) had drug-resistant epilepsy with varying impacts on neurodevelopment and cognition (presurgical intelligence quotient [IQ]/developmental quotient scores = 32-106). Low presurgical IQ was associated with abnormal slow background electroencephalographic (EEG) activity and disrupted sleep architecture. Scalp EEG showed predominantly multiregional and often bilateral epileptiform activity. Advanced epilepsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols identified FCD-specific features in 74.2% of patients (23/31), 17 of whom were initially evaluated as MRI-negative. In six of eight MRI-negative cases, fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET) and subtraction ictal single photon emission computed tomography coregistered to MRI helped localize the dysplastic cortex. Sixteen patients (51.6%) underwent invasive EEG. By the last follow-up (median = 5 years, interquartile range = 3.3-9 years), seizure freedom was achieved in 71% of patients (22/31), including seven of eight MRI-negative patients. Antiseizure medications were reduced in 21 patients, with complete withdrawal in six. Seizure outcome was predicted by a combination of the following descriptors: age at epilepsy onset, epilepsy duration, long-term invasive EEG, and specific MRI and PET findings. SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the broad phenotypic spectrum of FCD type 1, which spans far beyond the narrow descriptions of previous studies. The applied multilayered presurgical approach helped localize the epileptogenic zone in many previously nonlesional cases, resulting in improved postsurgical seizure outcomes, which are more favorable than previously reported for FCD type 1 patients.

• MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Electroencephalography * methods   MeSH
• Epilepsy MeSH
• Focal Cortical Dysplasia MeSH
• Cohort Studies MeSH
• Infant MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging * MeSH
• Malformations of Cortical Development, Group I * surgery   complications   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Malformations of Cortical Development surgery   complications   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Positron-Emission Tomography MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Drug Resistant Epilepsy * surgery   diagnostic imaging   physiopathology   MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Infant MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Isolated injury to the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) caused by blunt abdominal trauma is rare but often lethal, especially in pediatric patients. Due to the low incidence of SMV injuries, there are no universal guidelines for its diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis is made using either computed tomography (CT) or intraoperative exploration. Primary vascular repair is recommended. CASE REPORT: A 10-year-old girl was transferred to a trauma center after a high-energy motor vehicle collision. Under the diagnosis of acute abdomen with hemoperitoneum, the patient underwent urgent laparotomy, 34 min after admission to the hospital. A complete laceration of the SMV trunk was observed. Definitive vascular repair of the transected SMV was performed. An interposition graft from the internal jugular vein was used with a good postoperative course. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates that definitive vascular repair of the SMV reduces the risk of intestinal ischemia and should be performed in cases where ligation presents a real threat to small bowel viability. In cases of severe SMV injury, the internal jugular vein is a high-quality and easily accessible graft.

• MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Accidents, Traffic MeSH
• Lacerations * surgery   etiology   MeSH
• Laparotomy methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed MeSH
• Abdominal Injuries * complications   surgery   diagnosis   MeSH
• Vascular System Injuries * surgery   etiology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Wounds, Nonpenetrating * complications   surgery   diagnosis   MeSH
• Mesenteric Veins * injuries   surgery   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Vascular Surgical Procedures methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle alterations are associated with higher mortality and morbidity in patients with liver cirrhosis. Assessing these changes seems to be a promising method for identifying patients at a high risk of poor outcomes following liver transplantation (LT). This is particularly important given the current global shortage of organ donors. However, evidence of the impact of these alterations on the prognosis of patients undergoing LT is inconclusive. The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the impact of skeletal muscle changes, reflected in sarcopenia, myosteatosis and metabolic changes in the calf muscles, on perioperative outcomes and long-term survival after LT. We also sought to determine the posttransplant evolution of the resting muscle metabolism. METHODS: We examined 134 adult LT candidates. Of these, 105 underwent LT. Sarcopenia and myosteatosis were diagnosed by measuring the skeletal muscle index and mean psoas muscle radiation attenuation, respectively, which were obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans taken during pretransplant assessment. Additionally, patients underwent 31P MR spectroscopy (MRS) of the calf muscles at rest before LT and 6, 12 and 24 months thereafter. The median follow-up was 6 years. RESULTS: Patients with abnormal 31P MRS results and CT-diagnosed myosteatosis prior to LT had significantly worse long-term survival after LT (hazard ratio (HR), 3.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.48-7.60; p = 0.0021 and HR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.06-6.29; p = 0.03, respectively). Multivariable analysis showed that abnormal 31P MR spectra (HR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.50-7.71; p = 0.003) were a better predictor of worse long-term survival after LT than myosteatosis (HR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.14-6.78; p = 0.025). Patients with abnormal 31P MR spectra had higher blood loss during LT (p = 0.038), required a higher number of red blood cell transfusions (p = 0.006) and stayed longer in ICU (p = 0.041) and hospital (p = 0.007). Myosteatosis was associated with more revision surgeries following LT (p = 0.038) and a higher number of received red blood cell transfusion units (p = 0.002). Sarcopenia had no significant effect on posttransplant patient survival. An improvement in the resting metabolism of the calf muscles was observed at 12 and 24 months after LT. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal 31P MRS results of calf muscles were superior to CT-based diagnosis of myosteatosis and sarcopenia in predicting perioperative complications and long-term survival after LT. Resting muscle metabolism normalized 1 year after LT in most recipients.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Muscle, Skeletal * diagnostic imaging   metabolism   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy * methods   MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed * methods   MeSH
• Prognosis MeSH
• Prospective Studies MeSH
• Sarcopenia etiology   metabolism   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Liver Transplantation * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) exhibits significant variation in auricular surface morphology. This variation influences the mechanics of the SIJ, a central node for transmitting mechanical energy from upper body to lower limbs and vice versa. The impact of the auricular surface morphology on stress and deformation in the SIJ remains poorly understood to date. Computed tomography scans obtained from 281 individuals were included to extract the geometry of the pelvic ring. Then, the auricular surface area, SIJ cartilage thickness, and total SIJ cartilage volume were identified. Based on these reconstructions, 281 finite element models were created to simulate SIJ mechanical loading. It was found that SIJ cartilage thickness only weakly depended on age or laterality, while being strongly sex sensitive. Auricular surface area and SIJ cartilage volume depended weakly and non-linearly on age, peaking around menopause in females, but without significant laterality effect. Larger SIJs, characterized by greater auricular area and cartilage volume, exhibited reduced stress and deformation under loading. These findings highlight the significant role of SIJ morphology in its biomechanical response, suggesting a potential link between morphological variations and the risk of SIJ dysfunction. Understanding this relationship could improve diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies for SIJ-related conditions.

• MeSH
• Finite Element Analysis MeSH
• Biomechanical Phenomena physiology   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Stress, Mechanical MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed * MeSH
• Sacroiliac Joint * anatomy & histology   physiology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare malignancy posing significant diagnostic and management challenges. This review provides an overview of the evidence supporting various imaging modalities and offers insights into future innovations in UTUC imaging. RECENT FINDINGS: With the growing use of advancements in computed tomography (CT) technologies for both staging and follow-up of UTUC patients, continuous innovations aim to enhance performance and minimize the risk of excessive exposure to ionizing radiation and iodinated contrast medium. In patients unable to undergo CT, magnetic resonance imaging serves as an alternative imaging modality, though its sensitivity is lower than CT. Positron emission tomography, particularly with innovative radiotracers and theranostics, has the potential to significantly advance precision medicine in UTUC. Endoscopic imaging techniques including advanced modalities seem to be promising in improved visualization and diagnostic accuracy, however, evidence remains scarce. Radiomics and radiogenomics present emerging tools for noninvasive tumor characterization and prognosis. SUMMARY: The landscape of imaging for UTUC is rapidly evolving, with significant advancements across various modalities promising improved diagnostic accuracy, patient outcomes, and safety.

• MeSH
• Carcinoma, Transitional Cell * diagnosis   diagnostic imaging   therapy   pathology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods   MeSH
• Kidney Neoplasms diagnostic imaging   therapy   diagnosis   pathology   MeSH
• Ureteral Neoplasms diagnostic imaging   diagnosis   therapy   pathology   MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed methods   MeSH
• Positron-Emission Tomography methods   MeSH
• Neoplasm Staging MeSH
• Urologic Neoplasms diagnosis   diagnostic imaging   therapy   pathology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

PURPOSE: Dual velocity encoding PC-MRI can produce spurious artifacts when using high ratios of velocity encoding values (VENCs), limiting its ability to generate high-quality images across a wide range of encoding velocities. This study aims to propose and compare dual-VENC correction methods for such artifacts. THEORY AND METHODS: Two denoising approaches based on spatiotemporal regularization are proposed and compared with a state-of-the-art method based on sign correction. Accuracy is assessed using simulated data from an aorta and brain aneurysm, as well as 8 two-dimensional (2D) PC-MRI ascending aorta datasets. Two temporal resolutions (30,60) ms and noise levels (9,12) dB are considered, with noise added to the complex magnetization. The error is evaluated with respect to the noise-free measurement in the synthetic case and to the unwrapped image without additional noise in the volunteer datasets. RESULTS: In all studied cases, the proposed methods are more accurate than the Sign Correction technique. Using simulated 2D+T data from the aorta (60 ms, 9 dB), the Dual-VENC (DV) error 0.82±0.07$$ 0.82\pm 0.07 $$ is reduced to: 0.66±0.04$$ 0.66\pm 0.04 $$ (Sign Correction); 0.34±0.04$$ 0.34\pm 0.04 $$ and 0.32±0.04$$ 0.32\pm 0.04 $$ (proposed techniques). The methods are found to be significantly different (p-value <0.05$$ <0.05 $$ ). Importantly, brain aneurysm data revealed that the Sign Correction method is not suitable, as it increases error when the flow is not unidirectional. All three methods improve the accuracy of in vivo data. CONCLUSION: The newly proposed methods outperform the Sign Correction method in improving dual-VENC PC-MRI images. Among them, the approach based on temporal differences has shown the highest accuracy.

• MeSH
• Algorithms * MeSH
• Aorta * diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Artifacts * MeSH
• Phantoms, Imaging MeSH
• Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted methods   MeSH
• Intracranial Aneurysm diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging * methods   MeSH
• Brain diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Computer Simulation MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted * methods   MeSH
• Signal-To-Noise Ratio * MeSH
• Reproducibility of Results MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The topic of the diagnosis of phaeochromocytomas remains highly relevant because of advances in laboratory diagnostics, genetics, and therapeutic options and also the development of imaging methods. Computed tomography still represents an essential tool in clinical practice, especially in incidentally discovered adrenal masses; it allows morphological evaluation, including size, shape, necrosis, and unenhanced attenuation. More advanced post-processing tools to analyse digital images, such as texture analysis and radiomics, are currently being studied. Radiomic features utilise digital image pixels to calculate parameters and relations undetectable by the human eye. On the other hand, the amount of radiomic data requires massive computer capacity. Radiomics, together with machine learning and artificial intelligence in general, has the potential to improve not only the differential diagnosis but also the prediction of complications and therapy outcomes of phaeochromocytomas in the future. Currently, the potential of radiomics and machine learning does not match expectations and awaits its fulfilment.

• MeSH
• Pheochromocytoma * diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adrenal Gland Neoplasms * diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Paraganglioma * diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed methods   MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted methods   MeSH
• Radiomics MeSH
• Machine Learning MeSH
• Artificial Intelligence MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH

BACKGROUND: Existing radiological markers of hematoma expansion (HE) show modest predictive accuracy. We aim to investigate a novel radiological marker that co-localizes findings from non-contrast CT (NCCT) and CT angiography (CTA) to predict HE. METHODS: Consecutive acute intracerebral hemorrhage patients admitted at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Canada, were included. The Black-&-White sign was defined as any visually identified spot sign on CTA co-localized with a hypodensity sign on the corresponding NCCT. The primary outcome was hematoma expansion (⩾6 mL or ⩾33%). Secondary outcomes included absolute (<3, 3-6, 6-12, ⩾12 mL) and relative (0%, <25%, 25%-50%, 50%-75%, or >75%) hematoma growth scales. RESULTS: Two-hundred patients were included, with 50 (25%) experiencing HE. Forty-four (22%) showed the spot sign, 69 (34.5%) the hypodensity sign, and 14 (7%) co-localized both as the Black-&-White sign. Those with the Black-&-White sign had higher proportions of HE (100% vs 19.4%, p < 0.001), greater absolute hematoma growth (23.37 mL (IQR = 15.41-30.27) vs 0 mL (IQR = 0-2.39), p < 0.001) and relative hematoma growth (120% (IQR = 49-192) vs 0% (0-15%), p < 0.001). The Black-&-White sign had a specificity of 100% (95%CI = 97.6%-100%), a positive predictive value of 100% (95%CI = 76.8%-100%), and an overall accuracy of 82% (95%CI = 76%-87.1%). Among the 14 patients with the Black-&-White sign, 13 showed an absolute hematoma growth ⩾12 mL, and 10 experienced a HE exceeding 75% of the initial volume. The inter-rater agreement was excellent (kappa coefficient = 0.84). CONCLUSION: The Black-&-White sign is a robust predictor of hematoma expansion occurrence and severity, yet further validation is needed to confirm these compelling findings.

• MeSH
• Cerebral Hemorrhage * diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Computed Tomography Angiography * methods   MeSH
• Hematoma * diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Cerebral Angiography * methods   MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed * methods   MeSH
• Predictive Value of Tests MeSH
• Retrospective Studies MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Úvod: Burzy jsou tíhové váčky vystlané synoviální vrstvou buněk a obsahují tekutinu podobnou kloubní synovii. Jejich účelem je snižovat mechanické namáhaní (tření) v místech kontaktu šlach s kostí, kloubním pouzdrem anebo vazem. Vlivem různých příčin se může burza zanítit a způsobovat pacientovi obtíže. Burzitidu je možné diagnostikovat zavedením metodiky časného SPECT/CT při vyšetření skeletu. Kazuistiky: Uvádím zde tři pacienty, dva přišli s bolestí kolenních kloubů trvající několik měsíců a jeden s bolestí v oblasti bederní páteře, u kterých byla diagnostikovaná burzitis na třífázové scintigrafii skeletu. Závěr: Dle BOSS klasifikace patří všechny burzitidy do tvz. skupiny C (neboli extraoseální). Tyto patologie na scintigrafii skeletu odhalí pouze provedení SPECT/CT ve fázi blood poolu.

Introduction: Bursae are weight-bearing sacs lined with a synovial layer of cells and contain a fluid similar to joint synovium. Their purpose is to reduce mechanical stress (friction) in the points of contact of tendons with bone, joint capsule or ligament. Due to various reasons, the bursa can become inflamed and cause difficulties for the patient. It is possible to diagnose bursitis by introducing early SPECT/CT methodology during the examination of the skeleton. Case reports: Three patients are presented here, two with pain in the knee joints lasting several months and one with pain in the area of the lumbar spine, who were diagnosed with bursitis on three-phase skeletal scintigraphy. Conclusion: According to the BOSS classification, all bursitis belongs to what is known as group C (or extraosseous). These pathologies on bone scintigraphy can only be detected by performing SPECT/CT in the blood pool phase.

• Keywords
• SPECT/CT krevního poolu,
• MeSH
• Back Pain diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Bursitis * diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Knee Joint diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Radionuclide Imaging MeSH
• Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Computed Tomography * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Case Reports MeSH

Five cases of patients with systemic connective tissue diseases (CTD) who developed connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) are reported here. Unspecified ILD was diagnosed using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Histologically, all cases were usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) with findings of advanced (3/5) to diffuse (2/5) fibrosis, with a partially (4/5) to completely (1/5) formed image of a honeycomb lung. The fibrosis itself spread subpleurally and periseptally to more central parts (2/5) of the lung, around the alveolar ducts (2/5), or even without predisposition (1/5). Simultaneously, there was architectural reconstruction based on the mutual fusion of fibrosis without compression of the surrounding lung parenchyma (1/5), or with its compression (4/5). The whole process was accompanied by multifocal (1/5), dispersed (2/5), or organized inflammation in aggregates and lymphoid follicles (2/5). As a result of continuous fibroproduction and maturation of the connective tissue, the alveolar septa thickened, delimiting groups of alveoli that merged into air bullae. Few indistinctly visible (2/5), few clearly visible (1/5), multiple indistinctly visible (1/5), and multiple clearly visible (1/5) fibroblastic foci were present. Among the concomitant changes, areas of emphysema, bronchioloectasia, and bronchiectasis, as well as bronchial and vessel wall hypertrophy, and mucostasis in the alveoli and edema were observed. The differences in the histological appearance of usual interstitial pneumonia associated with systemic connective tissue diseases (CTD-UIP) versus the pattern associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF-UIP) are discussed here. The main differences lie in spreading lung fibrosis, architectural lung remodeling, fibroblastic foci, and inflammatory infiltrates.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis pathology   complications   MeSH
• Lung Diseases, Interstitial * pathology   complications   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Connective Tissue Diseases * pathology   complications   MeSH
• Lung pathology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH