Acta radiologica
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Background Differentiating between malignant and benign solitary pulmonary lesions (SPLs) is challenging. Purpose To determine diagnostic performance of intravoxel incoherent motion-based diffusion-weighted imaging (DW-IVIM) in distinguishing malignant from benign SPLs, using histogram analysis derived whole-tumor and single-section region of interest (ROI). Material and Methods This retrospective study received institutional review board approval. ⋯ D 10th was found to be an independent factor in discriminating LCs with an odds ratio of -1.217. Conclusion Volumetric analysis had higher reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy than did single-section. Further, compared to ADC, D value differentiated benign SPLs from LCs more accurately.
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Background Previous studies with a small sample size have not reported metabolic changes in neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Metabolic changes, such as decreased N-acetylaspartate (NAA), are well-established in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It remains unknown whether different patterns of metabolic changes occur in NMO and MS. ⋯ In MS patients, the EDSS was correlated with the NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios. Conclusion A reduction of NAA was not observed in NMO, implying axonal or neuronal damage may be absent in NAWM for NMO, which is different from MS. A mild increase in Cho was observed in NAWM of NMO patients, suggesting that subtle metabolic changes occur in NMO.
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Background With the introduction of targeted therapies, there has been a growing need for non-invasive imaging methods which accurately evaluate therapeutic effects and overcome the limitations of tumor size-based therapeutic response assessments. Purpose To assess diagnostic values of intra-voxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging in evaluating therapeutic effects of sorafenib on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using mouse xenograft model. Material and Methods Twenty-four mice bearing Huh-7 were divided into a control group and two treatment groups received sorafenib doses of 5 mg/kg (5 mg-Tx) or 30 mg/kg (30 mg-Tx). ⋯ Results The post-treatment f and Δ f for tumor periphery were significantly higher in control group, followed by 5 mg-Tx and 30 mg-Tx ( P < 0.001). MVD showed significant positive correlation with post-treatment f ( r = 0.584, P = 0.003) and negative correlation with D ( r = -0.495, P = 0.014) for tumor periphery, while no parameter showed significant correlation with area of tumor cell death. Conclusion The f is significantly correlated with MVD of HCC, and could potentially be used to evaluate the anti-angiogenic effects of sorafenib.
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Background The use of computed tomography (CT) scans of the head and cervical spine has markedly increased in patients with blunt minor trauma. The actual likelihood of a combined injury of head and cervical spine following a minor trauma is estimated to be low. Purpose To determine the incidence of such combined injuries in patients with a blunt minor trauma in order to estimate the need to derive improved diagnostic guidelines. ⋯ A combined injury of the head and cervical spine could be found in one patient. Conclusion The paradigm of the coincidence of cranial and cervical spine injuries should be revised in patients with blunt minor trauma. Valid imaging decision algorithms are strongly needed to clinically detect high-risk patients in order to save limited resources.
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Background Although fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) alone and those combined with pulmonary emphysema are naturally progressive diseases, the process of deterioration and outcomes are variable. Purpose To evaluate and compare serial changes of computed tomography (CT) abnormalities and prognostic predictive factors in fibrotic IIPs alone and those combined with pulmonary emphysema. Material and Methods A total of 148 patients with fibrotic IIPs alone (82 patients) and those combined with pulmonary emphysema (66 patients) were enrolled. ⋯ Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed changes in the extent of GGO (hazard ratio, 1.056) and the presence of lung cancer (hazard ratio, 4.631) were predictive factors of poor survivals. Conclusion Although patients with fibrotic IIPs alone and those combined with pulmonary emphysema have similar mortalities, lung cancer was more prevalent in patients with fibrotic IIPs combined with pulmonary emphysema. Furthermore, changes in the extent of GGO and the presence of lung cancer were independent prognostic factors of poor survivals.